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THE 
UNWRITTEN 

HISTORY 0/ 

Copied from the Spanish Archives 
d 
in Seville, Spain, by Miss 

A. M. Brooks and 

Translated 

by 

Mrs. Annie Averette 






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PREFACE 



We take pleasure in presenting to our readers in- 
formation connected with St. Augustine never before 
published. It is composed largely of reports and let- 
ters to the King of Spain, much of it written by Pedro 
Menendez himself, and contains decrees and letters 
from the King to the Governor, Generals and Officers 
having charge of the Florida Provinces. It has been 
buried for over three centuries, in Seville, Spain. It 
is reliable, having been written in old Spanish and 
guarded with care. It contains facts for which many 
have sought in vain. The style in which it is written 
is clear and comprehensive, without being diffuse or 
overdrawn. It is the true history of our country. 



CONTENTS 



Chapter I— A. D. 1565 1 

Royal Decree from King Philip II in reference to further dis- 
covery and settlement of Florida — Officers and number of 
men appointed to go in the Armada — Reports from the Ar- 
mada after leaving — Report from Pedro Menendez to his 
Majesty — The English and French have already settled here — 
Necessity of Spaniards taking entire control — Letter from the 
King to Pedro Menendez — Tells of English and French ves- 
sels reported to have sailed for these Provinces — King sends 
Fleet with sailors, soldiers and supplies that the person of 
Pedro Menendez may be guarded properly as Governor and 
Captain General of the Province of Florida. 

Chapter II— A. D. 1565 13 

Pedro Menendez gives an account to his Majesty of the Fort 
Matanzas Massacre — Menendez and army escape from being 
made prisoners by the French on account of a tornado — Be- 
cause of the swollen river the Council agree to make a land 
attack — Spaniards surprise and take Fort Matanzas without 
loss of a single man — Killing over two hundred Frenchmen 
and capturing Laudonnier — Find Indians enchanted with the 
Lutherans — Shipwrecked Frenchmen found on coast — With 
hands tied behind them are stabbed in the back by Spaniards. 

Chapter III— A. D. 1598 27 

Report of Fernando Mirando, agent to the King, complains 
of Governor — Espionage over vessels — Gives account of work 
of negroes — Houses and churches built, land cleared — Soldiers 
assist in repairing Fort — Report of Bartolome De Arguellas — 
Capture of rebellious Indians — Sending some to Havana to be 
hanged, some to be imprisoned — Casiques render obedience 
to the Governor who assures them of his good intentions — 
Pedro Pertrene reports to the King of being newly appointed 
to be Captain of a Garrison in Florida — Insufficiency of sal- 
ary to meet expenses — Because of long service to his Majesty 
implores aid and satisfaction — Dona Maria Menendez, 
Casique, writes the King asking aid in meeting the expenses 
of instructing the Indians in Christianity and good govern- 
ment. 

[vii 



viii Contents 

Chapter IV— A. D. 1598 34 

Extract from official report made by Gonzales Menendez 
Canso, Governor and Captain-General — Six priests of the San 
Franciscan order murdered by Indians — Lieutenant Eciga 
sent to see if any of the priests are still living — Hears of 
one — Is refused permission to see him — After much persua- 
sion and many threats Friar Fray Francisco is delivered — 
Manner of the death of the others is investigated — Fray 
Francisco makes a statement in regard to the death of the 
other priests, is forbidden by the Canons of the Church to 
reveal all — Notary Public Juan Ximanes swears to the investi- 
gation of several Indians through an interpreter — Execution 
of Indian Lucas as participating in the murder of Fray Bias. 

Chapter V— A. D. 1600 49 

Letter from one of eleven monks sent out by his Majesty to 
spread the gospel — Report eighty churches in different Mis- 
sions — Indians lazy and improvident — Avarice of Governor 
causes dissatisfaction — People desire his immediate removal — 
Fray Lopez, a Missionary, has converted many Indians in 
twelve years of service, among them Don Juan, a Casique, 
who stands highly among his people — His influence quells 
many uprisings — Juan Nunez Rios complains of Governor in 
a letter to the King — Begs for an open Port that the people 
may go back and forth and trade — An officer asks to be 
allowed to serve his Majesty elsewhere — Fray Bias DeMontes 
implores that he may be allowed to come to Spain for retire- 
ment — Gives account of a fire which burned the church among 
other houses — Slow progress among the Indians — Advices 
that a Bishop be sent — Report of Gonzales Menendez Canso 
to his Majesty — A shipmaster bearing dispatches shipwrecked 
in storm — Governor aids him from the Royal Treasury — 
Auditor from his Majesty arrives — Reports the Garrison 
abounding in fruits and grain — Grieves over the death of the 
Christian Indian Don Juan — Return of Fray Lopez from New 
Spain in good health — Reports the money brought to establish 
a hospital — More money needed for Garrison expenses — 
Francisco Redondo Villegas, Officer of Customs, is not treated 
with the respect due his Royal Office by the Governor— Re- 
ports affairs in a muddled condition — Soldiers well drilled — 
Much land under cultivation — Wages small — Rations in- 
sufficient. 

Chapter VI— A. D. 1605-1608 67 

Minutes of a Bull or Bill of Supplication to be presented to 
the Holy See asking for concession of graces and powers for 
Catholic residents in Florida — Minorcan families brought 
priest and monk with them— Wish new privileges and graces 



Contents ix 

granted — In regard to a Cedula from his Majesty, which in- 
structs as to duties on wine — Priests and Monks of Tasco 
use Municipal monies for their own interests — Advises a 
change in the office of Treasurer of the Royal Chest — ^Ves- 
sels carry important papers for his Majesty lost — Favors 
shown to Don Francisco gratifies the people — Letter from 
Pedro Ibarra to his Majesty says there is not sufficient support 
for the Garrison — Solicits aid for a poor widow — Soldiers 
find amber in a fish, for which Menendez exacts a duty — 
French and English pirates cause much anxiety — A few capt- 
ured, some imprisoned and ten hanged — Visiting Indian chiefs 
so impressed with the religious services and processions that 
they ask for friars to instruct their people — Asks for assist- 
ance in building a fort at the mouth of Miguel Moro — En- 
deavors to find the source of river San Mateo and Lake 
Miami — A garrison of warlike people — Proposition to estab- 
lish a Manager of the Inquisition to subjugate and control 
them — Does not wish to let certain priest and captain — Report 
of Jaun Menendez Marquez — Deplores the decision to reduce 
the garrison — Advises a return to the policy of Pedro Men- 
endez, his cousin — Desires permission to come to Spain to 
more fully lay the condition before his Majesty. 

Chaptkr VII— a. D. 1622-1640 82 

Report of Antonio Benavides to his Majesty — The Spanish 
King instructs the establishment of friendly relations with the 
English of the Carolinas — Don Francisco Menendez with 
other officers sent out — Mission fails owing to the English 
not having yet received instructions from London — Requested 
the removal of an English fort built on Spanish territory — 
Refusal — The matter fully laid before his Majesty — Report 
of Luis De Rojas — A Frigate sent out to assist a fleet in 
bringing supplies, run down by an enemy, boat stripped and 
burned, soldiers and crew escape to shore and finally reach 
the garrison — They collect Indians and soldiers and return — 
The enemy take to their launches and escape — Forty-seven 
persons only saved from a Spanish Fleet which had been 
captured by a Dutch Fleet — Recommends that his Majesty 
build a fort at the bar of the place called Jega — Report of 
Luis Ussitinez to his Majesty — The Mandate of the King 
carried out for prayer to Almighty God for the success of 
the King's arms taken up against France — At a meeting of 
the Board of the City Council of Havana appears a clergy- 
man of the Holy Office of the Inquisition with an Auto from 
the Senor Commissionado, Don Francisco de las Casas, con- 
taining instructions as to certain ceremonies in connection 
with the Inquisition. 



X Contents 

ChapTKR VIII— a. D. 1655-1657 96 

An anonymous letter to his Majesty — Death of Governor 
Benito Ruid Salazer — Two others appointed to serve pro 
tern, die suddenly of a contagious disease — Certain related 
officials gather in the night and elect Don Pedro Ruitinez 
Governor — A distressing condition follows — The people's 
money squandered — Officials intimidated and abused — Ma- 
terial sent for repairing Fort used to barter with the Indians 
for amber and the money used by the Governor and Treasurer 
— Consults his own pleasure as to obedience to church laws 
and vows — A report from Diego Robelledo, 1657, as to the 
necessity of guarding the Ports of the Province owing to pirates 
and as a prevention from the enemy entering and entrenching 
themselves in some of the distant but rich Provinces — The 
Friars object to the fortifications as the Spaniards would re- 
tard the convertion of the Indians — The Governor thinks the 
real reason is, that because of the present condition the Friars 
are the masters of the Indians — A Friar reports to his Ma- 
jesty that owing to the Governor insisting upon some Indian 
chiefs carrying heavy burdens of corn, when there were vas- 
sals for such labor — The chiefs cause an uprising — They 
march into the Garrison and hang the Governor — The Island 
of Jamaica heavily fortified by the English who intend taking 
Cuba, so it is rumored. 

Chapter IX— A. D. 1662-1670 107 

Alonzo Aranqui y Cartez reports the auditing of accounts and 
condition of the Royal Treasury — Finding of large nuggets 
in a hill, supposed to be a silver mine — Goes to investigate — 
Report of Jaun Cebadillo to his Majesty of having sent out 
the King's orders concerning who shall keep the keys of the 
Royal chest — Administration of the negroes — Harshness 
shown the Royal employees — Francisco Guerra Vega reports 
a Captain of the Garrison for indecency and offense to his 
superiors, for which same he was reprimanded and impris- 
oned as a warning— Afterward given his liberty — The King 
to the Captain-General of Provinces of Florida— Instructions 
as to the continuance of the passage to Marcana Guale — 
Founding of the town of Santiago — As to the performance of 
certain duties by soldiers, for which money shall be paid- 
Soldiers shall be permitted to raise their crops, and not em- 
ployed in personal work for the Governor — The Governor 
shall look after the wants and needs of his people— By order 
of the King, 1670. 

Chapter X— A. D. 1671-1673 112 

Pedro Menendez received the title of Governor by right of 
conquest, and Captain-General and Commander of the Fleet 



Contents xi 

by conference of his Majesty for faithful, valorous service- 
Don Martin Menendez receives the title of perpetual Gov- 
ernor by right of inheritance— Important papers burned at 
bimancas— Manuel De Mendoza reports to his Majesty as to 
the designs of the English enemy— Discovery of the South 
bea— Condition of this Garrison and other Provinces— Im- 
plores aid in completing fortifications— Report to his Majesty 
by Francisco De La Guerre y Vega concerning an English- 
man taken prisoner in the Province of Guale— One of a crew- 
sent out from a settlement of English at St. Elena— This man 
who was second in authority was confined in prison on 
soldiers' rations— An effort made to break up the English 
settlement, which was unsuccessful. 

Chapter XI— A. D. 1675 121 

Letters to the King from the Governor Pablo Ita Salazer— 
Oath of office administered in the tower of the old Fort which 
is rapidly going into ruins— The Garrison needing supplies 
and ammunition — No warehouses, and owing to the distance 
and frequency of storms delaying supplies, the people are 
forced to hunt in the woods for roots to appease their hunger 
—The Fort in danger from pirates— Ammunition and guards 
exposed to the fatalities of the weather— Pleads for more 
money to complete the Castle— Its great importance— A pen- 
tagonal shape recommended— The Viceroy of Spain fails to 
send the ten thousand dollars— One hundred men needed to 
guard the Castle— Great danger from pirates— Two hundred 
leagues from Havana and five hundred from New Spain. 

Chapter XII— A. D. 1675 130 

An effort made to dislodge the English from Santa Elena- 
Governor ordered to complete the Castle and defense of the 
Garrison — Yucatan families — Master weavers asked for to 
settle in Florida— Appalache considered the best Province for 
settlement— Supplies sent from New Spain— Barracks to be 
made in the Fort for the soldiers — Money sent to finish the 
new Castle, also supplies for the soldiers — The neighbors to 
assist in building the new Castle— Repairs on the bulwarks 
of Guale — Increase of troops for St. Augustine — A fortress 
ordered built at Appalache. 

Chapter XIII— A. D. 1680-1685 136 

Letter from Pablo Ita Salazer to his Majesty— Indians of the 
Province of Guale declare themselves friendly to the English, 
and make war upon the Spaniards of the Island of St. Cath- 
erine — They surprise the six sentinels, killing all but one who 
escaped and gave warning — The people gather in the convent 
of a Friar and defend themselves from day light until four 



xii Contents 

o'clock, when aid reaches them from the Garrison of St. Au- 
gustine, whereupon the enemy retires— The natives of the 
Island greatly alarmed — Disquieting news of the intentions 
of the enemy upon this Garrison — Implores aid from the King 
quickly, that the English may be ejected from the land— Don 
Jaun Marquez Cabera, Governor and Captain-General of 
Florida — Gives account to his Majesty of hostilities in the 
Provinces — Two Fleets, French and English, going and com- 
ing from Havana— Seize Fort Matanzas and, after plundering, 
burn it to the ground — Is now being rebuilt — Great depreda- 
tions committed up and down the coast by the enemy — Push- 
ing the work on the Castle — Grieved over its slow progress, 
owing to lack of workmen — Begs to be allowed to retire be- 
cause of age and long service — To Charles II, our principal 
Casique, the King — From the people of the territory of 
Habalache — The King to the Governor and Captain-General 
of Florida — Concerning ten negroes from St. George, who 
asked for the water of baptism — A Sergeant-Major from St. 
George comes to claim them — Because they have become 
Christians the Spanish King decides to buy them — After 
receiving a receipt they are to be set at liberty, each one given 
a document to that effect — The King reprimands Don Diego 
Quiraga for not attending to these matters — Orders a full 
account to be sent as soon as it is accomplished. 

Chapter XIV— A. D. 1689-1698 147 

Letter of the Governor and Captain-General of Florida, Don- 
Diego Quiroba y Losada, to his Majesty — Giving an account 
of a custom obtaining in the Garrison which endangers the 
safety of the people — When the Host is taken out in the night 
to administer communion to the dying the bells are rung until 
its return which is often hours, thus preventing the hearing 
the firing of the sentries across the river who are instructed 
to fire as often as there are numbers of vessels sighted — This 
danger fully laid before the Priest, who refused to discontinue 
the ringing of the bells, notwithstanding the city has been 
in arms awaiting the enemy for some days — In a Cedula by 
his Majesty of July 18th, 1674, he asks for a statement con- 
cerning the order and place of the Holy Tribunal of the 
Inquisition — These questions answered by Severino Maus- 
aneda March 17th, 1690 — An account of a military review in 
St. Augustine by Governor Don Diego Guiroga y Losada — 
Also recounts the great advantage to the City by building a 
sea wall to extend from the Fort the entire length of the City 
thus securing it against the sea which at present comes up 
to the houses during a storm — The soldiers and citizens sub- 
scribe ten thousand dollars, and the King is petitioned for aid 
that the citizens seeing his Majesty's interest will be encour- 
aged to proceed — The King rebukes Governor Don Diego 



Contents xiii 

Guiroga y Losada of the city of St. Augustine for unjustly 
taxing the Indians-Misappropriating funds sent by agreed 
ment for canvas and provisions for them-Not attending to 
their wants and comfort and treating them alone as vassals- 
iixtracts from the investigations of the Council as to alleo-ed 
excesses committed by the Governor Don Francisco Moral 
banchez— His illtreatment of a Captain of Grenadiers— Acting 
according to his own will and not to military law— The Gov- 
ernor s removal desired— A report according to the King's 
command concerning affairs under Governor Don Francisco 
• °.u ^^^•^^"^^^^~^"''^^^'^^^^°" shows that the facts set forth 
in the different papers and petitions sent to his Majesty to 
have been only too true— Impossible to put upon paper the 
strange, divers and extraordinary excesses committed by this 
the^'blood sufficient to chill the soul and congeal 

Chapter XV— A. D. 1708-1723 163 

Francisco Carcoles y Martinez in a letter to his Majesty re- 
ports all possible measures taken to prevent the destroying of 
this Province— Indians from the villages bordering on the 
Carolinas aided by the English, each day carry off certain 
families. Christians and natives, more than ten thousand 
having been carried off to date— Probably sold into slavery— 
A Treaty urged with the English of the Carolinas, else there 
will be a continuance of hostilities and the spread of the 
Gospel impeded— In a second letter the Governor gives an 
account of certain Friars in a dispute with the Priest of the 
Parish concerning the rights to marry soldiers, Spaniards, 
Indians and half-breeds— The matter laid before the Gov- 
ernor who in turn refers it to his Majesty— Recommends the 
abolishing of all Heathen customs— By a Royal dispatch, 
A. D. 1721, the Governor of Florida is commanded to go in 
person to the Governor of the Carolinas and arrange with 
him a Treaty of Peace between the English and Spanish of 
those Provinces adjoining— Which same was carried out as 
far as possible— Trinkets and clothing sent to the Casiques 
and chiefs of Appalachicola as commanded— Indians restless 
making preparations for war— English spreading dissatisfac- 
tion — A Council of war decides to send a vessel to Havana to 
the Governor asking for men, arms and provisions. 

Chapter XVI— A. D. 1736-1739 174 

Governor Senor Montiano in a letter to his Majestv says- It 
\ ^^^i^^J^^ ^^^^ ^°" ^*^^° Oglethorpe has said openly "that 
should he receive orders from his Government to fix the 
boundary lines between the Spanish possessions and the Caro- 
linas, he would so delay its execution that there should never 
be a sign of these limits"— Montiano thinks "it will be impos- 



xiv Contents 

sible to ever discuss matters of importance with such a man 
and it will be best that he be removed"— An Indian, Juan 
Ygnacio de las Reyes, gives himself up to the English, under 
pretext of having killed an Indian, to gain information con- 
cerning the strength and intentions of the English toward the 
Spanish — After misleading the English as to the strength 
and numbers in the Spanish fortifications, he makes his escape 
and returns to this Province — Statement of what has been 
ordered for the aid of Florida Provinces — The dislodging of 
the enemy from certain settlements on its territory up to 1674 
—Dispatch of 1675 commands that if the negro slaves sent to 
Havana have not already been sold, they shall be sent to 
Florida to be put to work upon the construction of the Castle 
to relieve the Indians. 

Chapter XVII— A. D. 1741-1743 185 

A letter from the Governor Francisco Carcales y Martinez — 
Conduct of the Christians worse than the Heathen — Soldiers 
guarded while cutting timber to repair the Fort — The Castle 
in a tumble-down condition — The Garrison to be maintained 
for the propagation of the Holy Gospel and to shelter the 
workers of the Apostolic faith — A paper of representation to 
his Majesty concerning certain properties willed to the Royal 
Treasury by Don Francisco Menendez, and designated by 
the King for use as hospitals — The Royal Officers of the 
Province think these properties should be sold at auction, and 
the proceeds applied to the back pay of soldiers who are 
suffering and in need. 

Chapter XVIII— A. D. 1770-1771 191 

A letter of resolution to his Majesty concerning a letter of 
appeal made to the Governor and Bishop of Havana asking 
for patent and Holy oil to administer baptism and extreme 
unction to the Catholic families taken from the Island of 
Minorca by the English — These families bringing with them 
Don Pedro Campos, Doctor of Sacred Theology, as a Parish 
Priest, and Don Bartolome Casanovas of the St. Augustine 
order as Vicar — These same claiming to have received their 
appointment from the Supreme Pontificate, not knowing to 
which Bishop the jurisdiction of Florida belonged— In order 
that a thorough investigation may be made the whole matter 
was referred to his Majesty— Letter of the Archbishop of 
Valencia concerning this matter — Letter of the Bishop of 
Cuba to his Majesty, expressing gratification over the zeal of 
his Majesty in this matter— Advices that the privileges be 
conferred— Letter of the Bishop of Minorca giving informa- 
tion concerning same. 



Contents xv 

Chapter XIX— A. D. 1771 204 

The opinion of the Judge — Having examined the different 
letters from the Bishop and made a thorough investigation 
into the matter concerning the granting of certain privileges 
to these Priests of the Minorcan families of the English 
colony of Florida, decides that these privileges should be 
granted as per reasons set forth in his written opinion, 
Madrid, 1771— Bishop of Cuba for the Council to Dr. Don 
Pedro Campos and the Rev. Father Bartolome Casanova, 
extending to these same Priests the title of Parish Priest 
and Vicar — Also sending a box containing three flasks of 
sacred oil — Hopes soon to be able to send a more extended 
prorogation of other powers — King solicited these powers 
from the Court of Rome — Asks for a detailed report of the 
number of families and condition of the congregation. 

Chapter XX— A. D. 1773 214 

Proceedings of the Council at the Court of Rome concerning 
the appeal made by the Parish Priest and Vicar of the 
Catholic families established in the English colony of Flor- 
ida — The different Bishops' letters — Also those of the Priest 
and Vicar asking for patent and further privileges and con- 
taining a report of the condition of the said Minorcan families 
who are dissatisfied with the lack of spiritual comforts — A 
brick church, and are very devout — Of their desire to throw 
off the yoke of Great Britain and their love for Spain — Reply 
of the Judge — Testimony sent by the Bishop of Cuba. 

Chapter XXI— A. D. 1773-1786 226 

Letter' from the King to the Bishop of Cuba concerning the 
petition soliciting an extension of time and of the privileges 
for the Priest and Vicar of the Minorcan families in Florida, 
and enclosing an open mandate of His Holiness, enlarging 
and extending the time for twenty years — A copy of a letter 
and statement sent in by Lieutenant Don Nicolas Grenier in 
regard to the imoortance of the Provinces of the St. Marys 
and St. Johns rivers — The need of vessels to impress and 
control the inhabitants — Provinces rich in timber, turpentine, 
tar and pitch — Considers it detrimental to Spanish interests 
for Americans to introduce any commerce in the Provinces — 
Letter from the same Don Nicolas Grenier to the Governor 
urging the necessity of further protecting Spanish interests 
along the St. Marys and St. Johns rivers — Tranquility of the 
country jeopardized by outlaws — Some have been arrested 
and paid the penaltv with their lives — Matter referred to the 
Governor — 1774. 



The Unwritten History 
of Old St. Augustine 



CHAPTER I. 

A. D. 1565. 
Royal Decree of King Philip II in regard to the 
further discovery and settlement of Florida — Of- 
ficers appointed — Number of men to go in the 
Armada — Captains and men to he paid in advance, 
to increase diligence in service — Reports from the 
Armada after leaving — Pedro Menendez reports 
that the English and French have already settled 
here — Necessity of the Spaniards taking entire 
control of the country — Letter from the King to 
Pedro Menendez in regard to English and French 
settlers. 

ROYAL DECREE. 
The King. 
To our officers who reside in the City of Sevilla in charge 
of the India contracts: 

I have named the captains, as you will see. from the 
description shown by General Eraso, that they may 
enlist the 1400 men who are to go to Florida in the 
Armada which we have ordered equipped, instructing 
them immediately upon their arrival what they are 
to do, and notify me of their safe arrival. You must 
be immediately notified when the men are gathered to- 
gether, and as it is expedient with each captain, you 
2 [1] 



2 The Unwritten History of 

are to send a responsible person that he may pay each 
man one month's salary in advance from the treasury 
on the day he enlists. It will cost, we suppose, up- 
wards of 11,000 ducats, that they may go provided 
according to instructions received. You are to give 
each captain a copy of the order sent, that he may be 
sure of his men — who, receiving this aid, neither he 
nor they be deceived. I also command that according 
to these orders you instruct the paymasters so that 
they may well understand that each soldier is to have 
the money in his own hands so that there be a good 
understanding between us. This is paid to them as it 
will be a long and arduous campaign, and so that they 
may work with more zest and the town be established 
quickly. See that the captains go at this work with 
diligence and haste, and you must immediately see 
and attend to where you are to lodge these people and 
from there embark them. Send with them a person 
of trust to guide and lodge them and to see that they 
are well provided with food and all necessaries for 
their money. Keep them well together without dis- 
order or vexation to the people of the land. Inform 
me of how you have provided for them and you will 
have served me. From Bosque de Segovia. 

August 15th, 1565. 



REPORT OF DON TRISTAN DE LUNA Y AVELLANO, CON- 
CERNING AFFAIRS IN FLORIDA. 

The Armada which went to found the town in Flor- 
ida at the place called Santa Elena in the port of Juan 
Ponce on the eleventh of June, and sailed with good 



Old St. Augustine 3 

and mild wind. On the seventh day out we were on 
the river Espintu Santo, twenty leagues south of 
said river, in 27th degree, from there we sailed six 
days to the southeast and south until we found our- 
selves in the chain. South from there we sailed north 
in search of the coast of Florida, and at the end of 
the eighth day, which was the eve of the visitation of 
Saint Elizabeth, we discovered the coast of Florida 
eight leagues to the west where the Armada cast 
anchor and took on water and wood. Now we be- 
gan to have rough weather. From there the fleet 
sailed on the eighth of July in search of the Port 
Achusa, sending ahead along the coast a frigate, the 
pilot not knowing exactly where Port Achusa was. 
The Armada passed ahead and anchored in the Bay 
of Phillipina. which was discovered by Julio de Laba- 
zares, from whence the Governor sent to seek Port 
Achusa, having heard that it was the best and safest 
port on all that coast. Navigating along the same 
coast where the Armada had come, they found Port 
Achusa which is twenty leagues from Bay Phillipina 
and thirty, more or less, from the Bay of Miruelo, so 
that it is between two bays — latitude 30 1-3 degrees. 
On the return of the frigate with the news, we im- 
mediately determined to set sail with the Armada. It 
seemed best to have the horses go by land, so we put 
them off in said Bay of Phillipina, thus some of our 
captains made the trip overland with one hundred and 
forty horses, out of the two hundred and forty we 
started with, the others having died at sea. On the bar 
of Phillipina we had some trouble with the Armada 
in crossing, on account of its shallowness for the larger 
vessels, also the strong and swift current — besides the 



4 The Unwritten History of 

weather had changed, and it was rougher. The Ar- 
mada left Bay Phillipina for Achusa on the 10th of 
August, the day of St. Lawrence, and it entered Port 
Achusa on the day of Our Lady of August, for which 
reason we gave it the name of St. Mary of PhiUipina. 
It is the best port discovered in the Indias. The shal- 
lowest part at the entrance is eleven cubits, and after 
you enter there are seven or eight fathoms. It is spa- 
cious, having a front of three leagues, the Spaniards 
are already there. The entrance of the bar is half a 
league in width, on the eastern coast is a cliff at the 
mouth of the bay, and large vessels can anchor in four 
or five fathoms within a stone's throw from land. It 
is so safe that the winds and storms cannot hurt one. 
We found a few Indian ranches, they seemed to be 
fishermen. Judging from appearances it seems to be 
a fertile and good soil. There are many walnuts and 
many fruit trees — good hunting and fishing and good 
in many ways. We also found some plantings of corn. 
On the 25th of said month of August, the Governor 
sent Don Tristan de Avellano in a galleon, of those 
we brought, for this, from New Spain, with the news 
of all that had happened so far. He entered the Port 
of San Juan de Ulloa on the 9th of September. He 
will supply himself quickly with provisions, which at 
present we have sent to ask for. and we expect the 
boats to return soon. They will again go to this New 
Spain, and wait there to see the lay of the land, and 
where we are to found this town, and understand all 
the particulars and qualities to inform you. 

When the boats return I will give the details to your 
Majesty in the order that the Governor, Friars and 
other Officers write me. and I shall be careful to aid 



Old St: Augustine 5 

them in the name of your Majesty with everything 
that they need, so they many not vex the natives, but 
give themselves up to friendly intercourse with them, 
until the time for planting grain. In future it will not 
be so expensive, the ground being so fertile we can 
gather large harvests, thus serving and exalting your 
Majesty and the Catholic faith of Our Lord. 



' To His Catholic Royal Majesty Pedro Menendez 
says : 

That what he sends your Majesty is what he de- 
clares to know of the coast and lands of Florida, and 
of the corsairs whom it is said have gone to populate 
it and seize the vessels coming from the Indias — and 
the damage they may do, and the remedy to be used 
in cases where they should have settled. Give them no 
quarter, and appropriate the coast and lands so that 
they can be the more easily turned out — that your 
Majesty can send to spread the Gospel, prevent the 
damages that can be done the vessels coming from the 
Indias is as follows : That while in Sevilla last May, 
he knew and understood positively from persons com- 
ing from the Canary Islands that they had been on 
the Island of Teneriffe and Port Garachico with a 
Portuguese named Mimoso, who is a pilot on the run 
of the Indias, and has a wife and home in France, that 
he has become a pirate, seizing the vessels of your 
Majesty. He carried four men of war, and it was 
said he was going to settle the coast of Florida; that 
two other large vessels were awaiting him, as soon as 
he took on water and provisions in that port, and he 
saw them there in a small vessel without disembark- 



6 The Unwntten History of 

ing for five or six hours, where some of the people 
who wish to be under them came to speak to them. He 
then returned to his vessel and set sail to return to the 
Indias. Also, that he heard in Sevilla and in this 
court of your Majesty that the English had gone out 
with a fleet to the coast of Florida to settle and to 
await the vessels from the Indias — and about a month 
ago he learned that five large English galleons with 
heavy artillery had passed about the end of December 
along the coast of Gaul and the tempest had driven 
them into the harbor of Ferrol, where they were an- 
chored for a day and a half without landing, but the 
fishermen had gone on board to speak to them, and he 
says: If the above be true, and the English, French 
or any other nation should feel disposed to go and set- 
tle any part of Florida, it would be very damaging to 
these kingdoms, because on said coast of Florida and 
in said strait of the Bahamas, they could settle and 
fortify themselves in such a way, that they could have 
galleons and vessels of war to capture the fleets and 
other private vessels that came from the Indias, and 
pass through there, as they would run great risk of 
being captured. 

Also, that if last summer the French and English 
went to Florida as we are certain they did, and should 
have settled and built a fort in any port, and summered 
there, giving notice to their home government as to 
how they are situated, and should they be supplied 
this summer before we can raid upon them, and turn 
them out, it would be very difficult to do so on account 
of the friendship formed by them with the natives who 
would help them in such a way as to cause serious 
difficulty, and even should we finally succeed the 



Old St. Augustine 7 

natives would remain our enemies, and this would be 
extremely disadvantageous. Should they be supplied 
this summer the merchantmen which we expect from 
the Indias would also run great risk of being captured. 
Also, that it would be very annoying to have the above 
mentioned or others settle in Florida. Considering 
the proximity of the Islands of Santo Domingo, Puer- 
to Rico and Cuba, where there are such vast numbers 
of negroes and mulattoes of bad disposition, there be- 
ing in each of these islands more than thirty negroes 
to each Christian. And it is a land in which this gen- 
eration multiplies with great rapidity. In the power 
of the French and English, all these slaves would be 
freed, and to enjoy their freedom would help therh 
even against their own masters and lords and there ' 
would be an uprising in the land, and with the help 
of the negroes it would be easy to capture us. As an 
example of this, take Jaques de Soria, France, which 
in the year fifty-three, with one boat of a hundred 
tons and eighty men, by simply freeing the negroes, 
took and plundered the Islands of Margarite and Saint 
Martha, and burned Carthagena, plundered Santiago 
de Cuba and Havana, although at the time there were 
two hundred Spaniards there. They took the Fort 
with all it contained, and twelve pieces of bronze ar- 
tillery and carried them all off. I consider these negroes 
a great obstacle to having the French or English set- 
tle in Florida or to have them so near, even though 
they should not be in favor with these two nations, 
there is danger of an uprising as there are so many 
cunning and sagacious ones who desire this liberty 
that I feel sure the design of those who should settle 
in Florida is to domineer over those islands, and stop 



8 The Unwritten History of 

the navigation with the Indias, which they can easily 
do by settling in said Florida. Also he says : That on 
account of these dangers and many others, it seems to 
him it would be to the service of God Our Lord, and 
your Majesty for the general good of your Kingdoms 
the Indies it would be well for your Majesty to try 
and domineer over these lands and coasts, which on 
account of their position, if other nations should go on 
settling and making friends with the Indians, it would 
be difficult to conquer them, especially if settled by 
* French and English Lutherans, as they and the In- 
dians having about the same laws, they would be 
friendly, and being near could rule and each year 
send out a thousand vessels to easily treat and con- 
tract with these lands which are said to be fertile and 
prolific for sugar plantations, which they so much 
need and are supplied from these Kingdoms. There 
might also be many cattle good for their tallow and 
wool and other necessities. What seems to him that 
your Majesty should do in the service of God and 
your Majesty's and for the salvation of so many souls, 
and the aggrandizement of your kingdoms and your 
royal estates, is as follows : 

As there are neither French nor English nor any 
other nation to disturb them, that your Majesty 
should send five hundred persons, sailors, laborers, 
etc., and that amoiig them should be one hundred mas- 
ter carpenters, blacksmiths, plasterers and builders of 
mud walls, all with their implements and appurte- 
nances for every thing, with their arms of defense, 
such as arquebuses, cross-bows, etc. That among this 
number of five hundred people should be four Friars, 
four teachers and twelve Christian children, so that 



Old St. Augustine 9 

the principal Indians would send their children to 
school to learn to read and learn the doctrine of 
Christianity. There should be three surgeons who 
would go about in small boats, canoes or row boats 
with supplies for one year — go straight to Santa Elena 
and from there find all the paths, rivers and ports most 
suited and best, by land and water. See the condition 
of the land for planting and settle two or three towns 
in the best vicinity, build their fort, to be able to de- 
fend themselves against the Indians, that each of these 
forts should have artillery and ammunition. All this 
supply with the cost of the voyage will amount to 
eighty thousand ducats or more. There will be left 
vessels enough to carry a number of cattle. These 
must be sent from Spain, because in the Indias we 
could not find suitable vessels nor head workmen of 
the necessary qualifications and it could not give the 
desired results, besides the delay would cause much 
damage. It would be difficult to find the proper kind 
of people, and even if found the cost would be very 
much greater, as head workmen gain very large wages 
in those parts, as do also laborers and sailors. From 
Havana it would be still more impossible to bring 
them, as there are none to be obtained, and if they 
have to settle they must go a long way 'round, as 
they cannot enter the mouth of the Bahama Channel, 
it being as easy and quick to come from Spain as from 
Havana. It would be more important that your 
Majesty do this at your own cost and as briefly and 
with as secret a diligence as possible, and if your 
Majesty is not well served in this, find some one in 
whom your Majesty can place more confidence, con- 
fer with them and let them take charge of affairs — 



10 The Unwritten History of 

although it would be far better for your Majesty to 
do this at your own cost, and with all brevity and 
secrecy which is the most important thing. Also, he 
says : That should there be French in this land or on 
the sea awaiting the merchant vessels from the Indias, 
it would be necessary to increase this squadron to four 
more galleons and one thousand men, principally ma- 
rines — the cost of which for six months would be 
five hundred thousand ducats more or less. 

Pedro Menendez. 



* The King. 

To Gen. Pedro Menendes de Avilez, Knight of the Order of 
Santiago, and our Governor of the Province of Florida : 

Know — Having understood that from the King- 
doms of France and England many war vessels have 
been sent out with a great number of sailors and sol- 
diers, with intent of going to that Province, and that 
now again they are arming and equipping vessels for 
the same purpose at Havre de Grace and other Ports of 
said Kingdoms of France and England. And that 
you may do everything to defend yourselves and cap- 
ture the Forts they have built and thrust them from the 
land, that you may hold it in peace. You might over- 
look the damage they have done to navigation. We 
have arranged for and ordered 1,500 infantrymen to 
join you and those you have with you and we send 
them with the fleet and also all the necessaries — and 
we have provided as Captain-General of the fleet Cap- 
tain Sancho de Archimiaga, an expert and experienced 
man of the sea, ordering him to go to said Province, 
and in joining you, it gives you protection by sea as 



Old St. Augustine 11 

well as by land. Your flag alone must float, as our 
Captain-General, and all undertakings must be done 
under your flag. And for all enterprises to be under- 
taken by land we have appointed a Field Marshal and 
five Captains to be under him, and that both they and 
the infantry are to be directly under you as our Cap- 
tain-General and Governor, because this is our will, 
and we have expressly ordered it. That your person 
must be carefully guarded. With your experience 
both by land and sea we are perfectly satisfied, still, 
that you may the better succeed, and that there may 
be conformity and good will, as it is important, af- 
fairs that between you and said Captain Archimiaga 
and Field Marshal and the other Captains accompany- 
ing him as they are men of much experience in war. 
It is our will, and so we order you, that in all things 
occurring on sea as well as on land concerning the 
war, you will call these Captains and consult with 
them, more especially Captain Archemiaga and the 
Field Marshal — that in this way alone must you de- 
cide upon questions of war — because thus it suits us 
and our service. That I trust in them to look into 
matters and provide all that is deemed advisable in 
such undertakings — and they will follow and obey 
you as our Captain-General. Let it be in such a way 
that there be good will and intelligence between you — 
no dissensions or quarrels, which would be a great 
drawback, but that you will proceed with mildness and 
consideration, as I feel assured you will, proceeding 
to free those lands, and give no quarters to the enemy 
to take root in them — and if it were possible, and 
there should be no notable inconvenience, you divide 
the fleet. Captain Juan Zurita and his company of 



12 The Unwritten History of 

Artillery go with the Infantry, as you will see. Of 
their success you will see to it, and give an account. 

Philip IL 
Madrid, September 8th, 1565. 



Old St. Augustine 13 



CHAPTER II. 

A. D. 1565. 

Menendez reports that his army escapes from being 
made prisoners by the French on account of a tor- 
nado — The Council agree to make a land attack, 
the river being too much swollen for their trans- 
ports — The Spaniards surprise and take Port Ma- 
tanzas without the loss of a single man, killing over 
two hundred Frenchmen and capturing Laudon- 
nier — The Indians enchanted with the Lutherans — 
Shipwrecked Frenchmen found on the coast — With 
their hands tied behind them they are stabbed in 
the back by the Spaniards. 

I Fort Matanzas Massacre, 1565. 

I wrote to your Majesty from aboard the galleon 
San Salvador on September 11th, this being the day 
she left Port. The duplicate of the letter goes in 
this, and later on will send the other. While I was 
on the Bar in a sloop with two small boats with 
artillery and ammunition there came upon us four 
French galleons which had run us down with two or 
three small vessels to prevent us from landing here. 
Taking the artillery and provisions, although the 
weather was not propitious for crossing the Bar, I 
preferred to take the chances rather than surrender 
myself and one hundred and fifty persons, who were 
with me, into their power. Our Lord miraculously 
saved us. The tide was low, there being only one and 
a half scant fathoms of water on the bar, and their 



14 The Unwritten History of 

vessel required one and a half long fathoms. They 
saw we had escaped them, as they spoke asking me to 
surrender, to have no fear. They then turned to 
search for the galleon, thinking we could not escape 
them. Two days out a heavy storm and tornado over- 
took them. It seemed to me they could not return to 
their Fort, running too great a risk of being lost, and to 
return to capture us they would have to bring a larger 
force and of the best they had. Thinking that their Fort 
would remain weak and it was the right time to cap- 
ture it I called a council of the captains, who agreed 
with me, and decided to attack the fort by land. I 
therefore took five hundred men, the three hundred 
arquebusiers. the rest pikemen, and with these few, 
taking our knapsacks and putting in each six pounds 
of biscuit and a measure of one and a half gallons of 
wine, with our arms and ammunition ; each Captain 
and soldier — I was among the first setting the ex- 
ample, carrying this food and arms on my back. Not 
knowing the way, we hoped to get there in two days, 
it being distant about eight leagues or so, as we were 
told by two Indians who went with us as guides. 
Leaving this Fort of St. Augustine in the order above 
described and with detennination on the eighteenth 
of September, we found the rivers so swollen from 
the copious rains that it was impossible to ford them 
and we were obliged to take a circuitous route which 
had never been used before through swamp and un- 
known roads to avoid the rivers. 

After walking until nine or ten o'clock at night, on 
the morning of the twentieth, which is the feast of 
San Mateo, we arrived in sight of the Fort. Having 
offered prayers to the Blessed Lord and His Holy 



Old St. Augustine 15 

Mother, supplicating them to give us victory over these 
Lutherans, it was agreed that with twenty ladders, 
which we carried, to assail the Fort. His Divine 
Majesty had mercy upon us and guided us in such a 
way that without losing one man and with only one in- 
jured (who is now well), we took the Fort with all it 
contained, killing about two hundred and thirty men, 
the other ten we took as prisoners to the forest. 
Among them were many noblemen, one who was 
Governor and Judge, called Monsieur Laudonnier, a 
relative of the French Admiral, and who had been 
his steward. This Laudonnier escaped to the woods 
and was pursued by one of the soldiers who wounded 
him, and we know not what has become of him, as 
he and the others escaped by swimming out to two 
small boats of the three vessels that were opposite 
the Fort, with about fifty or sixty persons. I sent 
them a canonade and call of the trumpet to surrender 
themselves, vessels and arms. They refused, so with 
the artillery found in the Fort we sunk one vessel, the 
others taking up the men went down the river where 
they had two other vessels anchored laden with pro- 
visions, being of the seven sent from France, and 
which had not yet been unloaded. It did not seem to 
me right to leave the Fort and pursue them until I 
had repaired three boats we found in the Fort. The 
Indians notified them of our actions. As they were 
so few they took the two best and strongest vessels 
and sank the other. In three days they had fled. 
Being informed of this by the Indians, I did not pur- 
sue them. Later from the Fort they wrote me that 
about twenty Frenchmen had appeared in the forest 
with no clothing but a shirt, and many of them were 



16 The Unwritten History of 

wounded. It was believed that Monsieur Laudonnier 
was among them. I have sent word that they make 
every effort to capture them and bring them to jus- 
tice. In the Fort were found, among women, creatures 
and children under fifteen years of age, about fifty 
persons. It causes me deep sorrow to see them among 
my people on account of their horrid religious sect, 
and I fear our Lord would punish me should I use 
cruelty with them. Eight or ten of the boys were 
born here. 

These French have many friends among the In- 
dians, who show much feeling at their loss, especially 
for two or three teachers of their hateful doctrine 
which they taught to the Indian chiefs, who followed 
them as the Apostles did our Lord. It is a thing of 
admiration to see how these Lutherans enchanted the 
poor savage people. I shall use every means to gain 
the good will of these Indians who were such friends 
to the French, and there is no reason why I should 
break with them, and if I can live with them at peace 
it will be well ; they are such traitors, thieves and 
drunkards, that it is almost impossible to do so. These 
chiefs and the Indians, their enemies, all show friend- 
ship towards me, which I return and shall continue, 
unless their depredations increase that I may have 
to do otherwise. 

On the 28th of September the Indians notified me 
that many Frenchmen were about six leagues from 
here on the coast, that they had lost their vessels and 
escaped by swimming and in boats. Taking fifty 
soldiers I was with them next morning at daylight, 
and, leaving my men in ambush, I took one with me 
to the banks of the river, because they were on one 



Old St. Augustine 17 

side and I on the other bank. I spoke to them, told 
them I was Spanish; they said they were French. 
They asked me to come over to them either alone or 
with my partner, the river being narrow. I re- 
plied that we did not know how to swim, but that they 
could safely come to us. They agreed to do so, and 
sent a man of some intellect, master of a boat, who 
carefully related to me how they had left their Fort 
with four galleons and eight small vessels, that each 
carried twenty-four oars with four hundred picked 
soldiers and two hundred marines and John Ribaut 
as General and Monsieur LeGrange, who was Gen- 
eral of the Infantry, and other good captains, soldiers 
and gentlemen, with the intention of finding me on 
the sea, and if I attempted to land, to land their peo- 
ple on the small boats and capture me. That if they 
had wanted to land they could easily have done so, 
but they had not dared and wanted to return to their 
Fort. That they were overtaken by a hurricane and 
tempest and were wrecked about twenty or twenty- 
five leagues from here. That of the four hundred 
only forty had survived; that the others had perished 
or were killed by the Indians. That fifty were car- 
ried prisoners by the Indians ; that John Ribaut with 
his captain were anchored five leagues from there in 
the swamp without trees, and he had in the vessel 
with him two hundred persons, more or less, and they 
believed them to have perished with all the artillery 
and ammunition, which was a great deal and good. 
Part of it was with John Ribaut and what they had, 
was certainly lost. They were saved, and he asked 
for himself and companions safe passage to their Fort, 
since they were not at war with the Spaniards. I 



18 The Unwritten History of 

then told him how we had taken their Fort and hung 
all those we found in it, because they had built it 
without your Majesty's permission and because they 
were scattering the odious Lutheran doctrine in these 
Provinces, and that I had war to fire and blood, as 
Governor and Captain-General of these Provinces, 
against all those who came to sow this hateful doct- 
rine; representing to him that I came by order of 
your Majesty to place the Gospel in these parts and 
to enlighten the natives in all that the Holy Church 
of Rome says and does so as to save their souls. That 
I would not give them passage; rather would I fol- 
low them by sea and land until I had taken their 
lives. He begged to be allowed to go with this em- 
bassy and that he would return at night swimming, 
if I would grant him his life. I did so to show him 
that I was in earnest and because he could enlighten 
me on many subjects. Immediately after his return 
to his companions there came a gentleman, a lieuten- 
ant of Monsieur Laudonnier, a man well versed and 
cunning to tempt me. After much talk he offered to 
give up their arms if I would grant their lives. I told 
him he could surrender the arms and give themselves 
up to my mercy, that I might do with them that which 
our Lord ordered. More than this he could not get 
from me, and that God did not expect more of me. 
Thus he returned and they came to deliver up their 
arms. I had their hands tied behind them and had 
them stabbed to death, leaving only sixteen, twelve 
being great big men, mariners whom they had stolen, 
the other four master carpenters and caulkers — peo- 
ple for whom we have much need, and it seemed to 
me to punish them in this manner would be serving 



Old St. Augustine 19 

God, our Lord, and your Majesty. Hereafter they 
will leave us free to plant the Gospel, enlighten the 
natives, and bring them to obedience and submission 
of your Majesty. The lands being extensive it will 
be well to make them work fifty years — besides, a 
good beginning makes a good end, so I have hopes 
in our Lord that in all He will grant me prosperity 
and success, so that I and my descendants may give 
to your Majesty those Kingdoms full and return the 
people Christians. My particular interest as I have 
written your Majesty is this : We are gaining great 
favor with the Indians and will be feared by them, 
although we make them many gifts. 

Considering what John Ribaut had done, I find 
that within ten leagues of where he was anchored, 
three of the vessels of his com.pany were lost ; whether 
they were lost or not, they would have landed the 
people, unloaded what supplies they could, employed 
themselves in getting out the brass artillery and the 
upright posts and tackle, if not lost, of the three ves- 
sels, rig themselves as best they could, and if the 
vessel he was on was not lost he will make every effort 
to come by sea. Should he do so I await him, and 
with the help of God, he will be lost. He might also 
go inland with one of the Casiques, his friend, who 
lives thirty leagues from here, and is very powerful. 
Should this be the case I will seek him there, because 
it is not convenient that he and his companions should 
remain alive. Should he come by sea to the Fort I 
have the entrance to the Bar mined with two savage 
canon and guns, so that should they succeed in mak- 
ing an entrance, we can sink them, A brigantine is 
kept in readiness to capture the people and I shall 



20 The Unwritten History of 

do all in my power to prevent his escape. The things 
found in the Fort were only four pieces of brass of 
about five tons, the canon and guns which had come 
from France were dismounted and carried to the gal- 
leons when they went in search of me. There were 
found besides twenty-five bronze musket and as much 
as twenty tons of powder and ammunition for these 
pieces, about one hundred and sixty barrels of flour, 
twenty casks of wine. The balance of the supplies 
had not been unloaded, as they were hesitating 
whether they should fortify this Port, fearing I should 
land here, which I could easily have done. Since their 
arrival they had spent most of their time in debauch- 
eries over the joy felt at the news they had received 
that northeast of Santa Elena was a range of moun 
tains coming from the Zacatecas where there were 
great mines of silver. The Indians from those parts 
had brought them many pieces of silver to the amount 
of five and six thousand ducats. We found to the 
amount of three thousand ducats, more or less, in 
clothes and all kinds of valuables ; some hogs, male 
and female; also sheep and asses; all this was ran- 
sacked by the soldiers; nothing escaped them. Be- 
sides the two vessels found in the Port we found two 
near the Bar and two others they had stolen from the 
Indians, loaded with hides. Of these they had drowned 
the crews and the cargo had been given to an English 
vessel to carry it and sell it in England or France, and 
there remained with them two Englishmen. The 
French had no mariners by whom to send these ves- 
sels. These two Englishmen were hung when the 
Fort was captured by us. The Englishmen by whom 
they sent the cargo arrived in port at the Fort we 



Old St. Augustine 21 

have taken from them, the early part of August of 
this year, in a galleon of a thousand tons called the 
Queen of England, with three heavy tiers of artillery ; 
all who saw her wondered and had never seen a vessel 
so heavily armed that drew so little water; the other 
three vessels were smaller. It was agreed between the 
English and French that as the French awaited help 
from France that Monsieur Ludovic, who was Gov- 
ernor here, should wait for them until the end of 
September; failing to return, he, Ludovic, was to go 
to France in search of them, and that by the month of 
April they would return with a large fleet, to await 
and capture the fleet of New Spain, which was forced 
to pass their Fort; that if aid came, for which they 
had written to France, they would advise the English 
who would come to this coast by the month of April. 
It was for this purpose that I found in the Fort a large 
vessel and seven small ones, and another five, one or 
two of which had been stolen, and the four they 
wished to send to France to have them equipped with 
men and provisions to join the English and them- 
selves by April ; that by that time John Ribaut would 
have returned and with the eight hundred men who 
remained he wished to go by January to Los Martyres, 
about twenty-five leagues from Havana, and there 
build a fort. They had reconnoitered and found it a 
very desirable port. This was agreed between them, 
and that before leaving France John Ribaut was to 
obtain the order that they should fortify Los Martyres, 
a strait by which no vessel could enter or depart with- 
out being sighted by them. To keep there always in 
readiness six vessels, it being the best sea in the world 
for them. That from there they would take Havana, 



22 The Unwritten History of 

free all the negroes ; that they would then send to 
make the same oifer to the Spanish of Porto Rico 
and all other colonies. All this information I gained 
from the skilful Frenchman to whom I granted life. 
They had with them six Portuguese pilots whom they 
hung when no longer needed ; two others had been 
killed by the Indians, and two were with Ribaut. The 
river San Mateo, running by the Fort we captured, 
goes seventy leagues inland and turns to the south- 
east emptying into the bay of Juan Ponce, and from 
there to New Spain and the port of San Juan de Luca, 
where there is only upwards of fifty leagues. In the 
bay of Juan Ponce they thought next year to build a 
fort on account of its proximity to New Spain, distant 
a hundred and fifty leagues and about the same dis- 
tance from Honduras and as many more from Yuca- 
tan, and where with their six vessels they could navi- 
gate with ease. On this river are three large Indian 
towns. The Indians are great friends of the French 
who have been there three times in search of corn. 
These French landed there in great need of supplies, 
having only enough to carry them eight days. Corn 
they found scarce and took it almost by force. The 
Indians themselves are great thieves — a poor but 
brave people. All the Indians are not more friendly 
to them than to us, and I will not consent to take a 
grain of com from them, but prefer to give them of 
what I may have. I consider this country so vast 
and fertile and the danger from enemies and corsaires 
so great and that they can appropriate to themselves 
the land lying north of here near New Foundland, of 
which they are already lords, and can be sustained by 
them with ease. Everything should be done to aid me 



Old St. Augustine 23 

instead of cutting me off, and your Majesty must be 
undeceived and know that I am much better able than 
your Majesty to enlarge and aggrandize these your 
Kingdoms. This Port is 29^ degrees, and the San 
Mateo which we captured is 31 degrees. The French 
and their pilots were mistaken. I have had it taken 
by the sun on land. From here to the Cape of Cana- 
veral there are fifty leagues, three rivers, two ports 
between here and Havana, one hundred miles, more 
or less, which are navigable in boats among the keys 
of Canavarel and Los Martyres, and from there to 
Havana. I agree to take the good field pieces which 
we have captured from the French, and one hundred 
men go along the borders of the coast, the boats by 
sea, anchoring at night near land among the keys of 
Canaveral where the sea is as smooth as a river, with 
the boats they will be able to discover among the 
keys the best port and surroundings to build a 
fort. So that with the one in Havana and 
this one we can at all times guard against 
the enemy and their entering to fortify them- 
selves. Nor should we expect fleets or boats of the 
Indians. With the people of Havana, Santo Domingo 
and Pedro de la Roda, whom I shall have to come 
to my assistance, I will have until the last of March 
to build it, then with these vessels go over to Havana 
and seek these people. Having discovered the Port, 
and on the arrival of Pedro de la Roda in Havana 
he will find his vessels which I do not propose to take 
out of that Port, also his men, so that he may return 
to Spain as strong as when he left there. That I 
shall place one hundred and fifty Spaniards in pos- 
session to guard against the Indians who are great 



34 The Unwritten History of 

warriors and whose good will we must gain. Then, 
by the 1st of April, I shall return to these two Forts, 
and in six or eight days I shall again take to the sea. 
By the month of March, leaving these two Forts well 
equipped and guarded each with three hundred men, 
I shall go in vessels that draw little water which I 
will soon have here, most of them the ones taken from 
the French. I will man as many as I can with five 
hundred soldiers and one hundred mariners, found a 
town at Santa Elena, which is fifty leagues from here, 
and has within three leagues of it three Ports and 
rivers, the largest of six fathoms of water, the other 
four fathoms ; admirable Ports and the one we call 
Santa Elena is the third, the one the French occupied 
is very small ; the three are navigable, one within the 
other, so that he who is lord of one is lord of the 
three. It is the best place to build a fort leaving three 
hundred men to finish it, pass on up the bay to Santa 
Maria, which is 36 degrees, one hundred and thirty 
leagues beyond Santa Elena ; then on to the land of 
the Indians which is in Mexico, fortify another fort 
and leave another two hundred soldiers. This will be 
the key to all the fortifications of this country, be- 
cause from those to the new land it does not have to 
be founded. Inland, about eighty leagues, are to be 
found a range of mountains, at their base an arm of 
sea which leads to the New Land. This arm of the 
sea enters the New Land which is navigable seventy 
leagues where there is another sea turning northeast 
and we suspect it leads to the South Sea. The In- 
dians send many cattle from New Spain which were 
found on these plains by Francisco Basques Coronado. 
Thev carried the hides to the New Land in canoes to 



Old St. Augustine 25 

sell to the French in exchange for barter. From here, 
in the past two years, they have carried in their fishing 
boats more than six thousand hides. The French can 
go from here in their vessels to the foot of the moun- 
tain range four hundred leagues from the mines of 
San Martin and New Galicia and can mine them to 
their heart's content. It would be well to fix our 
frontier lines here, gain the water-way of the Bahamas 
and work the mines of New Spain. This key and 
strength is necessary that your Majesty should become 
Lord of all of it, because by it you will be master of 
the world. I have written to Pedro del Castillo to 
send me three hundred soldiers and supplies for eight 
hundred persons. It would be useless not to have the 
three hundred soldiers to serve your Majesty and to 
provide the necessaries. Thus on, from the first of 
February, your Majesty can send a hundred mariners 
and the equipments and let them bring everything 
necessary to found a town in the Bay of Juan Ponce, 
as this river is part of San Mateo, which we captured 
from the enemy. Eighteen leagues inland from this 
bay, and from one bay to the other, we can easily 
trade with the multitude of Indians that are there and 
make them soon learn the Gospel of our Lord Jesus 
Christ. In this Bay of Juan Ponce is the Province 
of Appalache, an indomitable people with whom the 
Spaniards have never been able to treat. Thus will 
all difficulties be overcome so far as New Galicia 
which is about three hundred leagues, and so many 
more to Vera Cruz, and the same distance to Yuca- 
tan. From there this town will be provided with 
corn, as there is much of it. As we found the place 
and build a good City, there will be no need of found- 



26 The Unwritten History of 

ing others in Florida. We will then proceed to the 
New Land, easily work the many mines of silver 
which are found there, and are the mines of the 
Zacatecas. In a few years the silver worked from 
them will support this country and be a treasure to 
your Majesty and a suburb of Spain which can be 
reached in forty days from these Kingdoms. With 
the scarcity of supplies in the Forts we are suffering 
much hunger as the grain was burned and so, unless 
we receive aid soon, we shall suffer terribly. I trust 
your Majesty is satisfied that we serve you faithfully 
and with love and in all truth. Without extending 
myself further, but promising to keep you advised of 
all that may happen, may God protect your Majesty, 
increasing your royal Catholic personage with greater 
kingdoms and possessions as Christianity has need of 
and your servants desire it should be. 

From these Provinces of Florida from the banks 
of San Pelayo and Fort of St. Augustine, October 
15th, 1565. Pedro Menendez de Aviles. ? 



Old St. Augustine 27 



CHAPTER III. 

A. D. 1583-1596-1598. 

Report of Fernando Mirando, agent to the King — 
Complains of Governor — Espionage over vessels — 
Gives account of the zuork of the negroes — Haste 
makes it necessary to employ soldiers in repairing 
the Port for which they zvere paid — Partial failure 
of crops increases the cost of living — Report of 
Bartolome De Arguellas giving account of rebel- 
lious Indians — Some of those captured were sent 
to Havana to he executed, others to he imprisoned 
— Casiques render ohedience to the Governor who 
assures them of his good intentions — Report of 
Pedro Pertrene to the King — Is newly called to 
take charge of a company of Infantry in the Gar- 
rison of Florida — Salary not sufficient to meet ex- 
penses of living, recalls his long service to the King, 
and asks for increase of pay — Letter from Dona 
Maria Menendez, Casique, to the King — Asks for 
assistance in meeting the necessary expenses for 
instruction of the Indians in Christianity and good 
government. 

A. D. 1583. 

Fernando Miranda and Rodrego Junco, assistant Agent, who 
was of these Kingdoms, to His Majesty : 

After the Governor had given a decree of the same 
suspension, we asked him that until your Majesty 
should otherwise provide, we be allowed to continue 
in office and watch over your Majesty's interest. An- 
other thing which occurs to us to inform your 



28 The Unwritten History of 

Majesty: Yesterday there sailed from this Port for 
Havana a vessel belonging to some one in Havana, and 
the Governor made every effort to see if we had sent 
any papers by her — he searched the vessel and not 
wishing to give testimony, we understood he did not 
wish any letters sent, and so we dared not write more. 
We felt that this would be sufficient for your Majesty 
to place the remedy and investigate the cause, and 
punish the culprit. 

In the two years that your Majesty's negroes have 
been here, they have made a platform for the artillery 
of this Fort of an indestructible wood — as the one 
they had previous to this rotted away in two years. 
They have made a blacksmith shop, and whatever re- 
pairs were needed on the Fort. Ten of the best of them 
were sent to Santa Elena to saw boards to cover that 
Fort which needed it. On beginning the work it was 
found that the whole Fort was in such a damaged con- 
dition it was necessary to tear it all down and rebuild 
as quickly as possible. On account of the haste re- 
quired the soldiers were obliged to help for which 
work they were paid. It was completed in four months, 
during which time the negroes had to be fed on bread, 
meat and wine. Besides they have helped to build a 
church here, sawed lumber for the building of many 
dwellings, and have cleared the woods to some extent 
for planting. The first crop not being good, caused 
extra expense of food and ammunition which was 
given them — but for the past six months they have 
been fed on the harvest made, with no other expense 
but the oil and salt. They have corn enough to last 
until the next harvest, and all the expense incurred to 
the end of June of the present year is six thousand 



Old St. Augustine 29 

five hundred reals, from the Treasury of your Majesty 
— because, although there have been some other ex- 
penses, we have availed ourselves of advantages we 
had after having had recourse to what has been of- 
fered to your Majesty's service. About six months 
ago eleven of these negroes were hired to soldiers of 
this Fort, without the knowledge of the Treasurer, 
rendering an account of this to the Governor. It is 
about a year and a half since we notified the Governor 
that he should not keep these accounts, but as pro- 
vided by your Majesty they should be sent to this 
Court. He has never sent them. Your Majesty will 
act as best suits him in this afiFair of our suspension; 
we again implore your Majesty to give us a hearing, 
and some satisfaction, since we are left in this sterile 
country without the means of sustenance. May God 
preserve your Majesty for many years with great 
aggrandizement. Fernando Miranda. 

St. Augustine, August 20th. 1583. 



Your Majesty: 

As the Governor, Don Domingo Martinez Avendano, 
has been sending your Majesty an account of the pro- 
ceedings of our journey. I have not done so until now, 
that we have landed in these Provinces of Florida, and 
seen the condition of things, the people of the Garri- 
son and the natives. It was a blessing of God that it 
was all quiet and peaceful, and the Governor with 
much gentleness and discretion entered, and proceeded 
well, to support the service of your Majesty. It was 
a very fortunate thing, as many of the culprits had 
made threats, which if carried into effect, would have 



30 The Unwritten History of 

resulted disastrously — but they had not the heart to 
carry them out, although a number of the worst crimi- 
nals were out of the country. Of those who remained, 
ten were captured, and with their accusations were 
sent by Captain Francisco Salazar to Havana, in the 
custody of a trusted lieutenant and twelve soldiers, as 
guards, so that they may be executed there and ac- 
complish your Majesty's will. With this imprison- 
ment and a public reprimand made by the Governor to 
the other Indians, all of which remain quiet. Being 
overcome with fear, I understand they will return 
promptly to their employment, and your Majesty will 
be well served. The Casiques of this country came to 
render obedience to the Governor, who caressed them 
and instructed them of the manner and order in which 
they were to attend to your Majesty's work — he told 
them he wished to visit them in their homes, and the 
good intentions and desires he brings of attending to 
your service and the proofs he has already given of 
them. We entertain great hopes that all will soon be 
settled. From Havana they dispatched to the Treasurer 
JuanMenendezMarquez to be present at the paying off 
of the employees of this Garrison. While the Governor 
intended to have me assume control of this collection, 
he seemed to change his mind, and I came here with 
him, where I remain attending to the duties under my 
charge until he thinks that I may go out and make 
use of the license your Majesty granted me if nothing 
more occurs. May Our Lord guard the person of 
your Royal Catholic Majesty, as we have need of you» 
Bartoi^ome de Arguellas. 
St. Augustine, Florida, July 6th, 1596. 



Old St. Augustine 31 

Your Majesty : ^- ^' ^''^^^• 

I do not wish to make a long report in this letter, 
as I understand a detailed account of all that occurs 
in these provinces will be made by your Majesty's 
Governor, Gonzalo Menendez Canso, who in every 
thing appertaining to your Majesty's service and wel- 
fare is proceeding with caution — reforming, arranging 
everything in the most approved manner, discovering 
as he goes, all the secrets of the service, and govern- 
ing himself in accordance. He has strong and brave 
resolutions, as I know, having communicated them to 
me, and given me an account of his good intentions. 
Having served your Royal Highness for twenty- 
six years in this part of your Royal Fleet, in charge of 
your Captains-General the Adelantado Pedro Menen- 
dez Aviles, Diego Flores Valdez, Cristobal Eraso, 
and Alvarez Flores de Quinones, as Officer in 
the companies in which I served as Lieutenant of the 
Governor of the Castle, under Diego Fernandez de 
Guinones, in Havana. Being in that City, retired in 
my home, I was called by the above mentioned Gover- 
nor to give and honor me with one of your Majesty's 
companies of infantry who served in this Garrison of 
Florida. In his absence to Guale to the chastising of 
the Indians, who so horribly killed six priests 
of the San Franciscan Order, he left me in his place. 
Of the spoils which are usually divided, he has shared 
with me moderately, but even with these, and the two 
hundred ducats I have as salary, and the advantages 
given me, I cannot sustain myself, nor assist at the 
obligations of such Captains, on account of every 
thing in the land being so dear — provisions are the 



32 The Unwritten History of 

same — and the servant we had, was taken from us by 
your Governor. I implore your Majesty to attend to 
the above mentioned facts, and as my desire is to end 
my life in your Royal Service — and that I may live and 
keep up my obligations I may be given some help to- 
ward my expenses, and that I may be allowed a ser- 
vant, as is customary with all Captains serving in this 
Garrison, and trusting that your Majesty will grant 
me these things as are granted to all who serve you 
with good will. God preserve your Royal Person as I 
desire and Christianity needs you. 

Pedro Pertrene. 
St. Augustine, Florida. February 20th, 1598. 



Your Majesty : 

My poverty and the frequency with which the In- 
dians, both Christians and infidels, gather at my home 
to be instructed in matters concerning their conver- 
sion, and other important things concerning the good 
Government need with the Governor of these Prov- 
inces, places me under the necessity of asking your 
Majesty to assist me in the expenses I am obliged to 
incur with the Indians, as is certified to by the report 
accompanying this letter which implores your 
Majesty to assist and see to this need, since from it 
will result the coming of the Indians with more hearti- 
ness to become Christians and in this way guard the 
faith. Your Royal Highness being merciful. That 
I may do in all the above mentioned what is just and 
right, I also implore your Majesty to send me a letter 
of friendship that the Indians may see the good feel- 



Old Sf. Augustine 33 

mg which exists between your Majesty and ourselves. 
God grant you may have all graces. 
Florida, February 20th, 1598. 



34 The Unwritten History of 



CHAPTER IV. 

A. D. 1598. 
Extract from an official report made by Gonzalo Men- 
endes Canso, Governor and Captain General of the 
Provinces of Florida, concerning the murder of 
six priests of the San Franciscan Order by the In- 
dians — Lieutenant Bciga sent to see if any of the 
priests are still living — Ascertains that there is one, 
but is refused permission to see him — After much 
persuasion and many threats Friar Fray Francisco 
is delivered — Makes statement as to death of the 
others, but is forbidden by the canons of the 
Church to reveal all — Juan Ximanes, a Notary 
Public and secretary, swears to the investigation of 
several Indians through an interpreter — Indian 
Lucas is found to have been present and partici- 
pated in the killing of Fray Bias for which he is 
condemned to be executed. 

Dona Maria MenendEz — Casique. 

This is a good and faithful copy taken from one of 
the official reports made by Gonzalo Menendez Canes, 
Governor and Captain-General of these Provinces of 
Florida to His Majesty, concerning the death of the 
Religious of the Order of San Francisco, who perished 
at the hands of the Indians who revolted. Its tenor is : 

In the city of St. Augustine, Province of Florida, 
July 1st, 1598, Gonzalo Menendez Canes, Governor 
and Captain-General for the King our Lord, says: 
That in the month of October past of 1597, he was 



Old St. Augustine 35 

notified of an uprising of the Indians of the Peninsula 
of Guale. They had refused to obey your Majesty, 
and killed the Religious of the Order of San Francisco 
sent out to convert and teach them, and that he had 
made every and the greatest efforts, having gone 
in person with a number of infantry, ammunition and 
water craft to said peninsula, to investigate and punish 
the cases, and ascertain the cause the Indians had for 
committing such an atrocious crime. Although he made 
all the ravages he could, acting upon advices received, 
he could not punish them more for the time being, nor 
could he capture a live Indian, except one, an inter- 
preter, from whom they could get no information 
further than that the Religious had been killed, as will 
be seen by his declaration. Seeing the importance of 
ascertaining the root and cause of the killing of these 
Religious, and if any were still living — and why they 
had lost obedience to your Majesty, he has made the 
boldest efforts possible, going by way of the Luna. 
Finding the Casiques in conference, we agreed to send 
them presents and keepsakes, to induce them to let us 
know and understand if any of the Religious or Friars 
were still living that we might ransom them, sending 
to offer them even interest for them, and also sending 
a launch with some of the infantry to the Fort Santa 
Elena, distant fifty leagues from this Garrison, to en- 
list the Casique of that country, on account of the 
friendship he has shown the Spaniards, and because he 
has Indian warriors, and being so near he could do 
much damage to the Peninsula of Guale. Lieutenant 
Exiga, who went in the launch, found him and treated 
with him to make war and do all the damage possible to 
said peninsula and ascertain if any of them were liv- 



36 The Unwritten History of 

ing — bestowing upon him many gifts from your 
Majesty's treasury that he might go. It was agreed 
that Lieutenant Exiga should return to the Casique in 
sixty days, and ascertain what military exploits he had 
had, and what success. Being a matter of so much im- 
portance to your Majesty, Lieutenant Exiga left this 
port on the 23rd of May, with two launches, with infan- 
try and ammunition to accomplish the agreement made 
with the Casique. On the 24th, one day after leaving 
this fort, having gone as far as the Bar of Asae, 
twenty leagues from here, he was caught in a storm 
and hurricane, forcing him to put into harbor in dis- 
tress. The storm did so much damage to the food 
and ammunition they carried, that he was obliged to 
strike with the launch for the shore of San Mateo. 
Nothwithstanding all the above mentioned, he con- 
tinued his voyage to the port Santa Elena, there taking 
another launch in better condition for making the 
journey, leaving his in bad condition grounded on the 
beach. Having arrived at Santa Elena and seen and 
spoken to the Casique who delivered to him four gen- 
tlemen, he said he had taken from four Indians of the 
Peninsula of Gaule where he went to make war. Tha^ 
three other Indians had captured the Casique of Ca- 
rague, who had accompanied him, with the intent of 
making war. In the same way he certifies that they had 
alive in the Peninsula of Gaule, near Solofina, one of 
the six friars, named Toray Francisco de Avila. Hav- 
ing learned this he came coasting along the shore and 
ports of Guale, to see if any Indians should come out 
to speak to them. None appeared, until he came to 
Tolomato where he saw one, who by much coaxing 
and presenting of gifts and reasoning, succeeded in 



Old St. Augustine 37 

getting him to tell what he knew. Finally they learned 
from him that the said Friar was still living. They 
paid the Indian to take a letter to him, and they would 
await the reply — he did so, and in the meantime they 
amused themselves coasting along the shores of Tolo- 
mato, until the Indian returned with some of the 
Casiques, whom they begged would show them the 
Friar, that they might certify to his being alive, and 
treat with them for his ransom. At first, although 
they had heaped the Indians with gifts, they would 
neither accept of the gifts nor promise to deliver the 
Friar, unless in return for certain boys, sons of some 
of the Casiques, who had been brought to Governor 
Domingo Martinez Avendano, as hostages. iVs better 
security Lieutenant Exiga promised to bring their boys 
within thirty days as ransom for the Friar, also a quan- 
tity of hatchets and spades they asked for. Lieutenant 
Exiga returned to Port Tolomato in fifteen days, and 
began treaty with Casiques for the ransom of the 
Friar, and although he heaped gifts upon them with a 
free hand, it made no impression. They are such 
liars and traitors, and all their treaties are founded on 
treachery and cunning. Seeing that they did not in- 
tend to keep their word and deliver the priest, he found 
it necessary to change his tactics and show anger, 
swearing that unless they did deliver the prisoner they 
would send for three hundred soldiers and would run 
them through with the sword, cut down all their crops 
and follow them to Tama. After these threats they 
promised to deliver the Priest at once, which they did. 
After receiving him, and having him in their power, 
Lieutenant Exiga made reprisal of the hostages he car- 
ried, and of seven other Indians he had detained on the 



38 The Unwritten History of 

launch until he saw what sucess he was going to have. 
Four of these Indians are sons and brothers of Ca- 
siques. The Governor holds them and has brought them 
to this city where they are at present, and where he pro- 
tests he will investigate and take their declarations as 
to the manner of death the other friars suffered — 
where, in what form, and for what cause? Finding 
any of them to have taken part in this crime, to pun- 
ish them and do justice to the service of your Majesty, 
and that this punishment may serve as an example to 
them, as they have at other times committed these 
treacheries, killing captains and officers and other per- 
sons. This I provide and sign from his hand, Gonzalo 
Menendez Vanso, by order of His Lordship the Gov- 
ernor and Captain-General. Juan Ximenes. 

Later the said Governor and Captain-General or- 
dered me, the secretary, that I should go to the Mon- 
astary of San Francisco, of this city, and in his name 
ask the custodian priest of said house. Fray Francisco 
Marron, to give permission to Fray Francisco de 
Avila, who had been sent to teach and convert the In- 
dians, that under the oath which is administered to 
the Religious of his Order, he declared how his com- 
panions were killed, what he has seen and heard, 
and the causes that have moved them to commit such 
a crime as the killing of the priests. To deny obedi- 
ence, and tell only what he knows and understands of 
the matter. They continued the examination, so that 
all the above may be certified as the truth. This I pro- 
vide and sign in his name — and from the declaration 
of the father custodian might result many worthy 
considerations in questioning the Indians. 

GoNZAU) Menendez Canso. 



Old St. Augustine 39 

Later — The present notary public went to the Mon- 
astery of San Francisco, of this city, read and showed 
the decree above disposed of by his Lordship the Gov- 
ernor and Captain-General Gonzalo Menendez Canso, 
to Fray Francisco Marron, custodian of the prov- 
inces, who said : that mindful that Fray Francisco de 
Avila was one of the friars sent out to teach and 
convert in the Peninsula of Guale, and as the Lord, 
Our God, had seen proper to deliver him from being 
killed by the Indians, as his companions had been, 
and as a person who knew the habits and manners of 
the Indians, and knew their language, he deemed it 
wise to give him freedom to say and declare all he 
considered would be to the service of God of the kill- 
ing of his companions — except in cases and things 
criminal where his rights of priesthood prohibited, 
such as death by the cutting of members — and this I 
say and sign in his name — Fray Francisco Marron — 
in my presence. 

St. Augustine, Fla., July 20th, 1598. 

Juan Ximenes. 

Gonzalo Menendez Canso, Governor and Captain- 
General for his Majesty in these Provinces, ordered 
to be called Fray Francisco de Avila that in virtue of 
the permission granted him by the Custodian Fray 
Francisco Marron, to say and declare all he knows 
concerning the killing of his companions by the In- 
dians, and of his imprisonment and captivity — whether 
his person was badly treated, and all that had oc- 
curred worthy of relating — so as to punish such crime 
as it deserves to be. 



40 The Unwritten History of 

Fray Francisco de Avila said : Although it was true 
Fray Marron had granted him permission to speak, he 
could not make use of it, in cases so grave and criminal 
as the present — it was prohibited him by the sacred 
canons of priesthood, to attest in such crimes, because 
it would force him to say that which might condemn 
some, and so, he did not wish to speak or declare in 
this case, not to fall into any error. Besides being 
mindful that the Governor had brought seven Indians 
from the peninsula at the time of his ransom, to this 
city, he could know and understand from them all 
that they might claim. This he said, and I sign it in 
his name. Fray Francisco de Avila. 

In my presence — Juan Ximenes, 

Notary Public. 

Later — The Governor and Captain-General Gon- 
zalo Menendez Canso, in order to investigate, had ap- 
peared before him Gaspar de Salas, an interpreter of 
the Indians of Guale who, having been sworn in the 
proper form, gave promise to tell the truth and noth- 
ing but the truth — and that he would declare all that 
he was ordered to say to the Indians who claim to 
give information ; that he will say and declare all that 
said Indians say in reply, under the oath that he has 
taken. 

Later the Governor ordered to appear before him 
one of the seven Indians who were brought from the 
peninsula, to whom the following questions were put: 
From where do you come and what is your name? He 
came from Tupique and that his name was Lucas. Are 
you a Christian? Yes. The name of your parents, are 
they, or have they been Casiques? His father's name 



Old St. Augustine 41 

was Felipe, and he was Casique of Tupique. Where 
was he from ? He was a native of the town of Tupi- 
que. Had there been any priest there? There had 
been one named Fray Bias Rodriguez. Tell and de- 
clare what had become of Fray Bias? That about 
ten or eleven moons past, eight Casiques held a con- 
ference, they were Asao, Tolafo, Atmehe, Fulo, Tu- 
pique and Alnate. When night came they killed the 
Priest. A helping hand was given them by a chief 
called Pisiache, that he might kill him with a hatchet, 
with which he gave him a blow on the head, from 
which wound he died almost immediately. Afterward 
they buried him in the church. Say and declare what 
cause they had for killing this priest? That Micas 
and Casiques said they killed him because he was art- 
ful and took away their enchantment or witchcraft, 
and would not allow them to have more than one wife. 

Did you hear them, say anything else? No. Did 
he know Fray Miguel de Annon, and Fray Antonio 
Lego, among the teachers of Guale, and Fray Pedro 
de Corpa, among the teachers of Tolomato, and Fray 
Francisco de Avila, am.ong the teachers of Ospo? 

I have known them all, and they have been killed. 
Fray Miguel had his hands tied behind him, but he 
did not know if they had killed him — Fray Antonio 
was tied, but he does not know how he was killed — he 
had heard it said that they killed him with wooden 
weapons, and that Fray Pedro Corpa two Casiques 
had killed in the night while sleeping ; that Fray Fran- 
cisco de Avila they had not killed, but had him captive 
near Tolofino until he should be ransomed by the 
Governor. 



42 The Unwritten History of 

Was Fray Francisco well or ill-treated in the 
prison ? 

Some times they beat him with sticks and abused 
him. They sometimes fed him, but not always, and 
when they did it was on the leaves and tendrils of 
vines. 

Had he seen or heard it said why they killed these 
Priests and ill-treated Fray Francisco de Avila? 

He knew no more than what he had already stated, 
that the Micos and Casiques said they were artful and 
did not wish them to have more than one wife, and 
that they reproved them. 

Do you know where the ornaments belonging to the 
Church are, such as the chalices and other things used 
by the priests? 

They were all divided up in such a way, that nothing 
is left of them. 

Was he present at the death of Fray Bias and the 
other priests when they were killed? 

He arrived in time to see Fray Bias die — the others 
he had not seen, but had heard it said that they had 
been killed as he stated above. 

Had he seen or heard any of his companions who 
were brought with him, say they were present at the 
killing of the priests? 

One from Tolomato, named Francisco, he heard him 
say he had seen Fray Pedro Corpa after he was killed 
— ^the rest he does not know. 

All this the said Caspar Salas said and declared as 
interpreted under the oath which he has taken. He 
does not sign because he does not know how to write. 
GoNZALO Menendez Canso. 

In the presence of Juan Ximenes, 

Notary Public. 



Old St. Augustine 43 

For further investigation of the above, the Governor 
and Captain-General had appeared before him the other 
Indian, said to be named Francisco and native of Tol- 
omato, and by the said interpreter under oath had him 
declare the following: 
- Are you a Christian, and who are your parents ? 

I am a Christian, my name is Francisco, my moth- 
er is nearly related to the Casique and my father is 
dead. 

What priest was teacher at Tolomato? 

Fray Pedro Corpa, and I knew him there for some 
time. 

What became of Fray Pedro Corpa ? 

He was killed while sleeping, with wooden weapons, 
and he was killed by one of the chief Casiques of the 
Salcachecos. 

Did you see him killed, or were you present at his 
death ? 

I was far away, but I heard it said that this Micos 
of Tolomato and Don Juan, his heir, had sent to have 
him killed. I went there, but he was already dead. 

Did the little dress which you wear belong to some 
religious of that peninsula? 

Yes, but I do not know to which one, I ransomed it 
from one of the Casiques. 

What was the cause of the killing of the priests? 

The cause was, that they reproved Don Juan, heir 
of Tolomato. By his cunning he had the other Casi- 
ques meet with him, and there was an uprising in the 
land, and these killings were done. 

Did you know Fray Miguel Annon, and Fray An- 
tonio Lego in the conversion and teachings of Guale, 
and Father Berahula, and Fray Francisco de Avila? 



44 The Unwritten History of 

I knew them all — they had been killed by the In- 
dians, except Fray Francisco de Avila, who was ran- 
somed by the Governor. 

Tell and declare what manner of death they have 
given these religious? 

Fray Miguel and Fray Antonio Lego were killed 
with wooden weapons — he had so heard it said — the 
others he did not know. 

While in prison was Fray Francisco de Avila well 
treated ? 

I have heard it said that he was badly treated by the 
Indians of Tolofino — they whipped him — the boys 
teased him. He ate badly, because the Indians had 
little food, and some times he was forced to eat vines 
and tendrils. 

Do you know where the ornaments of the Church 
are, and the other belongings of the priests? 

All the ornaments and clothes of the priests were 
divided among them all, and the Indians had carried 
them to their country inland. 

Do you know if any of the Indians with you here, 
were present at the killing of the priests? 

I have heard it said that the Indian Lucas, son of 
Don Felipe, was present when they killed Fray Bias — 
that about the others he does not know. All of which 
the said Caspar Salas Atiqui says and declares accord- 
ing to his oath given, and because the Indian Francisco 
said so, and did not sign because he did not know 
how. GoNZALO Menendez Canso. 

In the presence of j^^^ Ximenes, 

Notary Public. 



Old St. Augustine 45 

Later the Governor had appear before him the In- 
dian Bartolome, of the Peninsula of Guale, who with 
other Indians was sent to the peninsula with a mes- 
sage from him to the Micos and Casiques, to the better 
ascertain, if any of the priests were still living. Al- 
though he had been sent, he did not return with the 
message, until after the treaty for the ransom of Fray 
Francisco de Avila. He stated that they would not 
let him come — that he wanted to come and stay with 
the Governor; that he did not wish to remain among 
the Indians, and through the interpreter, Atiqui, he 
declared the following: 

Where are you from, and what is your name, and 
are you a Christian? 

My name is Bartolome; I am a Christian and a 
native of Tolomato. I was sent about eight months 
ago, by this Governor, with a message to the Micos 
and Casiques of the peninsula; they would not let me 
come back, making threats that they w^ould kill me. 

During the time you were in the peninsula tell what 
you know and heard said of the killing of the priests ; 
what kind of death they were given ? 

I heard that Fray Pedro Corpa was killed at night 
in his cell, with wooden weapons, and that Fray 
Miguel, Fray Antonio and Fray Bias were also killed 
with wooden weapons. That Fray Francisco de 
Avila, who had just been brought as ransom, was the 
first one taken prisoner. They stuck him with their 
arrows, but God did not let him die of the wounds. 
They would have killed him as they did the others 
but for the intervention of the Casique of Tulapo, who 
took him from the Indians, saying at the time that he 
was his father, and as such he would protect him. 



46 The Unwritten History of 

What was the motive and cause of the kiUing? 

I heard it was because they reproved them; that 
the priests were crafty, and did not care for them, and 
did not wish them to have more than one wife. 

Where are the ornaments and appurtenances of the 
Church? 

They were divided among them, those from the in- 
terior carrying many, and many were also broken, and 
the children tore and destroyed them. 

Did you hear it said whether Lucas, the son of the 
Casique Don Felipe, or any of the other Indians 
brought in with you were present at the killing of the 
priests ? 

I heard that Lucas was there at the killing. I know 
nothing more. 

How was Fray Francisco de Avila treated while a 
prisoner ? 

I have heard it said that in Tufina and Chacalaga 
the boys would chase him through the streets per- 
fectly naked and whip him with horsewhips, and that 
he was starving to death, because the Indians had little 
to eat themselves and gave him none. All this Caspar 
Salas says and declares to have been said by the In- 
dian Bartolome under the oath which he has taken, 
and it is the truth ; he cannot sign, not knowing how 
to do so. GoNZALO Menendez Canso. 

In the presence of Juan Ximenes, 

Notary Public. 

For further investigation of the above, the Gover- 
nor and Captain-General had appear before him an- 
other of the seven Indians who through the same in- 
terpreter said and declared the following: (This dec- 
laration is not given.) 



Old St, Augustine 47 

In view of said declarations of these proceedings, 
the crime falls upon Lucas the Indian, son of the 
Casique de Tuqui, for having been present and partici- 
pated in the killing of Fray Bias, who was sent to con- 
vert the people of Tupiqui. I must condemn him by 
this my decree, sentenced according to his declaration, 
with the penalty of death. The justice which I order 
shall be done him is : That when he leaves the jail 
where he now is, it shall be with a rope around his 
neck, his hands tied behind him, and with a loud voice 
it must be proclaimed to the public his crime ; that he 
be taken to the gallows, already prepared for this pur- 
pose, and that there he shall be hung by the neck and 
strangled until dead. Because, thus is it well to pun- 
ish with real justice those who dare to commit such 
crimes, and as an example to the other Indian natives 
of these provinces that they may not commit similar 
crimes. So do I pronounce sentence and command. 
And if the said Lucas is not mindful of receiving bap- 
tism and should not die repenting, and in the Catholic 
faith, I order that he be hung and after his death his 
body be burned to powder. 

Regarding the other six Indians detained for this 
cause, proceedings will not continue for the present 
against them — they being boys under age. We shall 
so send and notify the Indian Lucas. 

GoNZAi.0 Menendez Canso. 

Alonzo Diaz de Badajoz, Sergeant-Major of this Fort 

and Garrison of St. Augustine : 

I order you by this sentence, which will be 
shown you by Juan Ximenes, Notary Public, 
against the Indian Lucas, prisoner in this city, that he 



48 The Unwritten History of 

shall be executed as is stated in this sentence, because 
it so pleaseth his Majesty. This execution is done in 
justice to his Majesty, and must be so accomplished. 
GoNZALO Menendez Canso. 
St. Augustine, July 29th, 1598. 

Notary Public. 
Before me ju^^^ Ximenes, 



Old St. Augustine 49 



CHAPTER V. 

A. D. 1600. 
Letter from Father Francisco Parga to the King, as 
one of eleven monks sent out by his Majesty to 
spread the Gospel — Eighty churches in different 
Missions — Complaint of lasy Indians — Avarice of 
the Governor causes dissatisfaction and suffering 
among the garrison and impedes the work — Un- 
necessary war with Indians — People desire the 
Governor s removal — Fray Baltasar Lopes has 
labored for twelve years converting many Indians, 
among them the Casique, Don faun, who stands 
highly among his people and has quelled many up- 
risings — Letter from Juan Nunez Rios — Complains 
of Governor — Who allows one Juan Garcia to rep- 
resent him — People forced to buy of this Garcia 
who takes all advantages — Begs for an open port 
that the people may be allowed to go back and 
forth and trade — Antonio Menendez Canso writes 
to his Majesty complaining of injustice by the Gov- 
ernor, and asks to be allowed to serve his Majesty 
elseufhere — Letter to his Majesty from Fray Bias 
De Montes imploring that he may be allowed to 
come to Spain for retirement — Gives account of a 
fire which burned the church among other houses — 
Reports slow progress with the Indians and ad- 
vises that a Bishop be sent to administer sacrament 
of confirmation — Report of Gonsalo Menendez 
Canso to his Majesty — A shipmaster bearing dis- 



50 The Unwritten History of 

patches from New Spain shipwrecked in a dread- 
ful storm — He and his crew escape in a boat — 
Governor aids them from the Royal treasury — 
Arrival of the Auditor for his Majesty — Garrison 
abounding in fruits and grain — Death of a Chris- 
tian Indian, Don Jaun — Fray Lopez returns from 
New Spain in good health — Money brought to es- 
tablish a hospital — More money needed for Garri- 
son expenses — Report of Francisco Redondo Vil- 
legas, Officer of Customs and Auditor for his 
Majesty — Complains of not being treated with the 
respect due to Royal officers — Finds aifairs in a 
muddled condition — Soldiers well drilled — Much 
land under cultivation which will be needed as 
wages are small and rations insufficient. 

Patron Letter From Fray Francisco Parga, of the San 

Franciscan Order, to the King. 
Your Majesty : 

This is a duplicate of a letter sent your Majesty by 
a vessel which left this port of St. Augustine in the 
month of Februar}^ of this year via Havana. I wrote 
giving an account as I was one of the eleven monks 
sent by your Majesty to spread the Gospel and teach 
the natives of this country. When we arrived we 
were assigned to different places or posts, each one 
trying his utmost and best to do what he could for 
the redemption of these souls. It being such an 
arduous and difficult life, having to traverse on foot, 
bad roads, with little or nothing to eat at times, that 
little fruit has yet been yielded, although the harvest, 
which we hope eventually to reap for the Lord, is 
worth the trials and sacrifices made, as we know that 



Old St. Augustine 51 

He suffered death and passion to redeem the souls 
and rejoiceth over the salvation of one; how much 
more should we be willing to suffer for the conversion 
of so many souls as there are in this country and 
whom we hope to save with the help of God? And 
so I say that while your Majesty has control of these 
lands as the Religious have charge of this Garrison in 
time of need, and they also help to support the Church 
under their care and the ornaments and other things 
necessary for the worship of the Divine Lord, not 
having for this purpose any income from your Royal 
Finance. There are more than eighty churches which 
have been built in the different missions and others 
under construction. We are moved to do this to 
encourage the Indians who are incapable of good con- 
ceptions and obedience. They have always had their 
ministry so that they listen with little appreciation to 
what we preach and teach, in grave detriment to the 
poor newly converted Indians, notwithstanding that 
our teaching and converting accrues to their own 
good, as we aid and provide for them in their time of 
hunger, and when crops have failed. The Indians are 
so lazy and improvident that if we did not take care 
of the crops after planting they would have nothing. 
They do not even save the seed for another planting. 
Of the Governor I wish to say as little as possible, 
but the misery, impediment and calamities among In- 
dians and Christians is due to his avarice, and if the 
poor Spaniards who are in the Garrison of St. Augus- 
tine had not the hope that your Majesty would be 
informed in some way and send them relief from the 
fearful calamity which this Garrison is suffering, the 
affliction among the married men as well as the single 



52 The Unwritten History of 

would become unendurable. They dare not, under 
any circumstances, send you information, as it would 
cost them their lives, and so they have prayed and 
implored me as Chaplain, who live from day to day 
upon the charity of your Royal Treasury, and have to 
render a strict account or others would slander us, 
and our account of the war and other matters must 
be true. The war with the Indians where many have 
been killed and many brought in as prisoners was 
uncalled for and the Indians at "Cabeza de Martyres" 
are much incensed. As it is a place where many 
vessels are wrecked, the Spaniards have taken whole 
crews and kept them until ransomed. We fear the 
Indians of that place will do much damage to vessels 
passing to and fro. We feel very sorry that the pres- 
ent Governor has shown so much anger and resent- 
ment towards the Indians and has sent your Majesty 
such meagre accounts of the true condition of this 
Garrison. It is swampy, little inhabited by Indians, 
and the roads difficult to traverse. The Bar is a rough 
one; there are said to be better ones on this coast to- 
wards the north. I have not seen them, but have 
heard through Fray Baltazar Lopez, Vicar of that 
Island, who has been there for twelve years working 
in the conversion of souls, with other Friars who came 
with him, and who have left for New Spain. He alone 
remains at his post, much encouraged, as he has mas- 
tered the Indian language; it is of great help to him 
in preaching. He has converted many who frequent 
the sacraments of confession and communion. Had it 
not been for him and through his persuasions, having 
converted and taught the Casique Don Juan, there 
would have been a terrible uprising among the In- 



Old St. Augustine 53 

dians. and probably not a Spaniard left. Thus, by the 
industry and influence of Fray Baltazar over Don 
Juan, who is highly in favor of Christianity and all 
civilized ideas, this trouble was averted. Don Juan 
has sent relief to the people of this garrison in times 
of famine. I recognize in Fray Baltazar that spiritual 
zeal for the service of God and your Majesty that 
this land may be converted, increase in civilization 
and aggrandize your kingdom. As Fray Baltazar's 
experience is of long standing, it has been decided that 
he write to your Majesty and give a full account of 
all the happenings. To this letter of his, which I shall 
remit to your Majesty, you can give full credit, as he 
speaks scientifically and from long experience. 



Your Majesty : 

As a final remedy and forced by necessity and worry 
which we poor citizens of this garrison suflFer ever 
since the arrival of Gonzalo Menendez Canso, we 
come to implore you, as King and Christian, not to 
permit that your subjects and vassals be so ill treated 
and afflicted by those who govern here, since your 
Majesty in your Cedulas always orders the contrary. 
There being no corporation as in other cities of like 
size to whom we can appeal for protection, I take the 
liberty of writing this. We have not done so before, 
and gone on suflfering all that is possible for us to 
suflfer, because we understood you had been informed 
by other parties, and we hoped and waited daily to 
be delivered by your sending some one else who would 
proceed in a different manner, and thus we poor 
citizens would receive better treatment at his hands. 



54 The Unzvritten History 'of 

and enable us to proceed in better condition to ad- 
vance your interests which have been decreasing and 
losing ever since the said Governor came. Much of 
the land that was gained from the Indians, and who 
themselves had become quiet and peaceful, has been 
lost. I came to this country in the year 1568, twenty 
years ago, with others from your Kingdom, to aid and 
succor, as was commanded by your Majesty in trans- 
ferring us to these Provinces, having assisted and 
served in them on all occasions which have presented 
themselves at Port Elena and St. Augustine. I mar- 
ried a daughter of one of the settlers who was here 
and had come enthused by the promises made by the 
previous Governors, but who spent his life eking out 
a meagre existence for his wife and children by tak- 
ing advantage of the license which at that time was 
granted the citizens of going abroad to seek work 
which was so much needed. This Governor has with- 
drawn this license and forces us to remain in the town 
proper. The town is frequently left to the govern- 
ment of his cousin who calls himself Juan Garcia and 
whom he brought with him to this Province with a 
large stock of merchandise which he sells at exorbit- 
ant prices and he, the Governor, collects all payments. 
Before this Governor came we were paid off, but 
since his assumption of affairs he forces us to buy 
all we need of this cousin, and the Governor informs 
us that if we do not obey his order in this we must 
go without. On pay day he keeps all our pay saying 
we have already spent it. If one of the soldiers is 
sick requiring anything and sends to ask for money 



Old St. Augustine 55 

to get the needed medicine the Governor refuses to 
give it, forcing him to buy it of Juan Garcia. All 
law suits or troubles of any kind which arise are 
brought before the Governor by this same Juan 
Garcia, who seems to be supreme. It is understood 
that the vast estate is a joint one of Juan Garcia and 
Governor Menendez Canso. My house was burned, 
as can be testified by any of the inhabitants, fearing 
to notify Juan Garcia of the fact. I sent to him and 
asked him with all due respect to come, accompanied 
by the Mayor, who is the only representative of the 
law, and see the condition I was in. For this act he 
has levied upon me for fifty maravedies and six 
months" imprisonment in the Fort. That I must ap- 
pear before him, and he has worried me in many 
other ways. He has taken from us the only means 
of making a living for our wives and children and 
refuses to grant us any rights whatsoever, except 
those which in your Cedula are so plain he is obliged 
to grant them. And yet he grants all rights to 
Mexico. It is a great injustice not to allow us the 
same privileges. We trust that being so far from 
us and it takes so long to inform you, that you will 
have mercy upon us and immediately send some one 
to replace this Governor. One who will treat us with 
more kindness and justice. We implore you to grant 
the privileges of an open port, that we may be allowed 
to go back and forth and trade, so as to enable us to 
make a living. Others would write to you imploring 
the same grace, only all fear to do so, as we run 
great risk of having the Governor intercept our let- 



56 The Unwritten History of 

ters. I send this at the risk of my life. There are 
many more things upon which I could enlighten you, 
but fear prevents us from doing so, and we trust your 
Majesty will send us reHef as speedily as possible. 

God preserve the Royal Person of your Catholic 
Majesty for many years, as Christianity has need of it, 

Juan Nunez Rigs. 

St. Augustine, Fla., Feb. 19th, 1600. 



Sire : 

While serving your Majesty in this Garrison of 
St. Augustine, Florida, as Captain of one of the com- 
panies with the title given me by General Menendez 
Canso, it is the same position my father served pre- 
viously for a year and a half before the work and 
place was turned over to me as your Majesty's service 
required. Later Lieutenant Alvarez Hernando Metas 
having arrived with certain dispatches regarding my 
father, who had preceded me, the Governor, without 
giving any reason or consulting me in any way, has 
taken the company from me and given it to Lieutenant 
Metas, who is at present serving. The Governor has 
only said to me that he wished to employ me in other 
services of your Majesty for which reason I am de- 
tained in this Province on half pay. Although I have 
asked permission to serve on the Armada and assist 
in any way I am ordered, as is my duty, he will not 
allow me to do so, but detains me here. I implore 
you to send me orders if only to be in the infantry 
of this Garrison; anything until I am ordered else- 
where, to serve your Majesty. This is my profession 
and I have alwavs followed it, and for which I shall 



Old St. Augustine 57 

always hope to receive special encomiums from your 
Majesty, whom I pray our Lord will bless and protect 
and preserve from all harm. 

Antonio Menendez Canso. 
St. Augustine, Fla., 26th , 1600. 



Sire : 

In other letters I have written to your Majesty I 
have given an account of the fire we had on the 14th 
of March of last year, 1599, in this city. Among other 
houses burned with the church was ours and we came 
to the hospital for shelter, where we still are, and I 
implore your Majesty to rebuild our house. The seven 
hundred ducats required to repair and cover the house 
which was burned, and which we hope you will send 
us, will be placed in deposit with the treasurer of this 
Province until a decision has been reached regarding 
this country. On account of its ruined and barren 
condition it is incapable of maintaining so many na- 
tives as there are, and as was demonstrated the other 
day, many seem to think they will order this Garrison 
removed to another part more advantageous. Should 
this be the case, your servants will advise you at once 
of all that occurs. 

In the report I give you of the Indians I must say, 
my Lord, that we make little progress and are but 
poorly esteemed by them. The fault must lie in us, 
as there will no doubt be those who will so report it 
to your Majesty. The good esteem which I am 
ordered to have for the Governor I shall comply with 
in every respect except that I shall not lose my rights ; 
these I shall maintain as I have always done. In 



58 The Unwritten History of 

sending out the Friars to convert and teach the doc- 
trine, I have always observed the order given by your 
Majesty with the title of Royal Patron. Since it is a 
truth perfectly well known that no Friar has been sent 
by me or my predecessors to convert and teach with- 
out the permission and sanction of the Governor, and 
should it become necessary I will so make him confess 
this truth, which he well knows, as there are so few 
of us he cannot ignore it, as we eat from his hands at 
all times. If this country is to be increased and 
civilized it would be well to send a Bishop here, as it 
is quite necessary to administer the sacrament of con- 
firmation; therefore, for the peace of those who live 
here, it would be well for your Majesty to consider 
and provide as you see fit and God would wish. There 
is nothing a man can desire more than the salvation 
of his soul, for this it seems to me urgent that I should 
retire from this work and take shelter where I can 
obtain this end, serving in quietude your Majesty. 
For this I beg and humbly implore your Majesty to 
send me a permit to go to Spain, as I feel assured of 
the little success I can obtain by remaining in this 
country. May our blessed Lord preserve your Ma- 
jesty in peace and love, Yours, 

Fray Blas de Montes. 
St. Augustine, Fla., Feb. 25th, 1600. 



Your Lordship : 

On the 13th there arrived in this city Diego Ram- 
irez, a citizen of Triana of Sevilla, a second class ship- 
master from New Spain, sent by your Viceroy and 
Royal Officers from San Juan de UUva. On entering 



Old St. Augustine 59 

the Bahama channel he was overtaken by a dreadful 
storm, his vessel sprung a leak and took in so much 
water they were forced to make for the nearest land 
which was on the coast of this Province about one 
hundred and eighty leagues from this city to the 
north, about thirty-four degrees, more or less, where, 
on entering a port, the vessel was completely wrecked 
and the Master made his escape in one of the boats 
with the papers and dispatches for your Majesty and 
also some private letters. Coming along the coast, 
landing at night until he reached the Province of 
Guale, where last year the Indians had killed two 
Friars. There he found two vessels in the service of 
this Garrison which had been sent to carry three or 
four Casiques, two of them men of great influence in 
their tribes, who had come to implore mercy for them- 
selves and others for the terrible crime they had com- 
mitted. I now have them quiet and pacified. These 
natives carried the master to the ships of this Garri- 
son where he and his men were given shelter and 
brought to this City. 

The natives also gave them what relief they could. 
On the arrival here of the Master he told me of the 
dispatches he brought for your Majesty and which he 
understood were of much importance as they had 
learned in New Spain that Chinese, English and 
Flemish were settling there. He asked me for passage 
for himself and men, for any dispatches I might have 
for your Majesty and any private mail. He also 
asked for the means of sustenance from your Royal 
Treasury, for himself and men, as they had lost all. 
Considering the importance of the dispatches and 
papers, and that you might receive them with the 



60 The Unzvritten History of 

utmost speed, I granted their request and also gave 
them a change of clothes. He did not wish to go to 
Havana on account of the variable winds and so, as 
I had a frigate in Port just suitable for the purpose, 
I fitted it out against the wishes of its owners, to 
whom I paid the cost of the trip which three pilots 
assured me would amount to one thousand ducats, 
not counting the maintenance of the Master and his 
men. I felt it my duty to aid them from your Royal 
Treasury, as they were shipwrecked and there was no 
one in this country who could raise a subscription to 
supply their wants, all being soldiers or men who 
have no employment. An account of this may be 
kept by the judges and officers in Sevilla against this 
Province. Pedro Redondo Villegas, Auditor of the 
Artillery of Havana, whom, your Majesty nominated 
to come here to straighten the accounts of this Prov- 
ince, arrived and has commenced his work. He tells 
me that he is notifying your Majesty of all and calling 
your attention to some. He says that having notified 
me of the Royal balance made to Juan Sebadilla, de- 
ceased, being as it is, a large sum, it will be well that 
you send a bill, stating what must be done about its 
collection. Captain Alonzo de las Alas has not yet 
satisfied his balance because while investigating his 
accounts in virtue of the royal decree of appointments 
and of which he was in charge, was suspended for 
four years. In accounts taken of different royal offi- 
cers, they have paid up many losses against your royal 
estate. I had noticed this and when the accountant 
Pedro Redondo arrived I suspended these payments 
until he could look into them and I shall point out to 
him the result of what T found in them. 



Old St. Augustine 61 

On the eighth of February of this year I rendered 
your Majesty an account of how I sent the collections 
to your Treasurer, Juan Menendez Marquez. This 
time the causes made known in the letter which arrived 
at this Port on the 21st of this month with four ves- 
sels and their cargo of provisions, ammunition and 
money collected from the allowance was too late, so 
that hereafter your Royal order set forth in Cedule 
will be obeyed. 

This Garrison and territory is at present abounding 
in the fruits of the earth — corn and other vegetables. 
Having encouraged and aided in cultivating the land 
our Lord has seen proper to give us the most fertile 
year ever known in these Provinces. On the 16th of 
this month Don Juan, Casique of the Province of San 
Pedro, died — the one your Majesty was so kind to in 
sending him two hundred ducats which were given 
him. I feel his death very much as he was one of the 
most faithful and influential in this Territory ; he was 
sagacious and practical, having faith, and agreed in 
all that you ordered. He died as a good christian, 
receiving the sacraments and giving a good example 
at the hour of his death to all the Indians and natives. 
His niece becomes his heir ; according to their custom 
the nieces and nephews become the heirs and not the 
children. 

Fray Baltazar Lopez, of the Franciscan order, has 
arrived from New Spain. He was crippled and sick, 
so I gave him permission to go to New Spain where 
he was cured and has regained his health which has 
been a great happiness for me as he is greatly needed 
in the conversion. He has brought many to a realiza- 
tion of the truth of Christianity, and I trust in God he 



t2 



The Unwritten History of 




Old St. Augustine 63 

may keep well and continue his good work. In this 
I try to aid him as much as possible and with some 
of the officers and soldiers go to visit the Indians from 
time to time to assure them of our good will and to 
trade with them. They have just brought from New 
Spain the five hundred ducats your Majesty gave in 
charity to the hospital of this City, established for the 
benefit of the poor soldiers of this Garrison. They 
also brought five hundred more from Mexico for the 
Franciscan Convent, and we have also given to said 
Convent two thousand eight hundred and forty-two 
reals which were in this Treasury and which were 
found on the beach of San Mateo from some of the 
vessels wrecked on that shore, and although your Royal 
Cedula said it should be three thousand and forty-two 
reals and a half, the Royal Officers have not been able 
to find that much on your books, only the amount 
stated above which was delivered to them for the re- 
pairs of the convent. If your Majesty wishes to ob- 
tain information regarding Jacon from England you 
must ask for it by the name of Virginia which is the 
name given it by the English ; if you inquire for Jacon 
you will get no satisfaction. I send with this a dupli- 
cate of the letter written you on February 28th by 
Pedro Alvarez Castillon via Havana, on the fleet in 
command of General Sancho Pardo, and as the sea is 
an uncertain thing I send a duplicate. The frigate 
which carries this paper and those of the Auditor, 
Pedro Redondo, belongs to Pedro Gonzales, of Ha- 
vana, who also goes on her. Should you wish to send 
dispatches for this Province, Havana or New Spain, 
this vessel is very appropriate; it is good, small, and 
sails fast, being of only fifteen tons, and Pedro Gon- 



64 The Unwritten History of 

zales is perfectly familiar with all this coast and is a 
practical and experienced sailor and can be trusted 
with anything you wish to send by him. I cannot fail 
to remind you to grant me a reasonable sum for ex- 
penditures of this Garrison, as the expenses are so 
heavy I am obliged to implore this grace of your 
Majesty. 

May God preserve you in health for the good of 
Christianity. Gonzalo Menendez Canso. 

St. Augustine, Fla., June 28th, 1600. 



I wrote your Majesty by General Sancho Pardo, 
giving full and detailed account of how I had ar- 
ranged matters and placed in office as Auditor of the 
Custom House, of this City, Pedro Redondo, my son, 
a person perfectly trustworthy, competent and reli- 
able. I have done everything according to your 
Majesty's orders. I came to the Province of Florida 
on the fleet, as you graciously ordered me to investi- 
gate the accounts of your Royal Officers and other em- 
ployees. I arrived in Florida on the 29th of March, 
presented my commissions, which were accepted by 
the Governor, Gonzalo Menendez. On the 14th of 
April, after making all inquiries necessary regarding 
the accounts, I commenced to investigate, not meeting 
from the Officers that respect which is shown by the 
army and navy to your Royal employees. Their books 
being in such a disordered condition, it will take more 
time than I calculated to finish these investigations, but 
I will accomplish them with all possible speed. As I 
have informed your Majesty through others who the 
persons are, having to give account and the many and 



Old St. Augustine 65 

arduous difficulties encountered, there being among 
auditors, agents and shipmasters, about twenty per- 
sons — it will take a longer time to accomplish, al- 
though I came quite encouraged and desirous of finish- 
ing speedily so as to return to Havana to attend the 
grand artillery review and take my command. I left 
town for the term of one year, but find I shall be un- 
able to complete these investigations in that time, as it 
is impossible to leave them in the muddled condition 
they are at present. Doctor Juan Gonzales, of the 
Royal Court of the Indias, has told me he could obtain 
with the consent of the Governor, a prerogative. I 
implore your Majesty will send this prerogative and 
see and notify me as to what I am to do. As I have 
been here so short a time I cannot inform you of all 
that you ordered me to investigate. All I can say at 
present is that there are about two hundred and fifty 
soldiers in this Garrison ; they are good and well drilled 
and disciplined ; that the Governor has planted and 
under cultivation many acres of land, which will be a 
great help in the sustenance of these people, who are 
mostly married, and whose small wages and rations 
given them does not suffice for their support. They 
certainly need this grain. Besides others, seeing the 
good results and what good land it is, are following 
the example and are clearing and planting fields. With 
the cutting down of the timber it has done away with 
the vast quantities of mosquitoes and has helped to 
improve the City, as one sees on all sides houses in 
course of construction. The greatest difficulty I find 
is the difference existing between the Officers of the 
Royal command and the people. As you have ordered 
that all should obey them, they are overbearing, as 
4 



66 The Unwritten History of 

occurs in many other places. If you could devise 
some remedy for this, all would go well. I shall con- 
tinue to keep you advised of all that occurs, especially 
on the matter of investigations and as to who the 
guilty parties may be. May God grant you a long life 
of prosperity. Francisco Redondo Vili^egas. 

St. Augustine, Florida, April 18th; 1600. 



Old St. Augustine 67 



CHAPTER VI. 

A. D. 1605-1608. 

Minutes of a Bull to be presented to the Holy See, 
asking concession of graces and powers for Catho- 
lic residents in Florida — Minorcan families brought 
a Priest and Monk with them, and wish privileges 
and new license granted — Instructions as to duties 
on wine — Priests and Monks of Tasco use munici- 
pal monies for their own interests — Advises change 
in office of Treasurer of the Royal chest — Loss of 
vessels carrying papers for his Majesty — People 
of the Kingdom gratified at favor shown by his 
Majesty to Don Francisco — Letter from Pedro 
Ibarra to his Majesty — Insufficient support for the 
Garrison — A widow, who was the wife of two 
Army Captains, in need — Two poor soldiers find 
amber in a fish for which Menendez exacted a 
duty — Anxiety on account of French and English 
pirates — Some taken prisoners and ten hanged — 
Several Casiques and chiefs visit Augustine — Are 
impressed with religious services and procession — 
Ask for Friars to return to their country with them 
to instruct their people — Asks for men to assist in 

■ building a fort at the mouth of Miguel Moro — Has 
made inquiry as to origin and source of River San 
Mateo and Lake Miami — A Garrison of warlike 
people — Proposition to establish a Manager of the 
Inquisition to control them — Does not wish to let 
go certain Priest and Captain — Report of Jaun 



68 The Unwritten History of 

Menendes Marques to the King — Deplores the 
decision to reduce the Garrison — Advises return to 
the policy of Pedro Menendez, his cousin — De- 
sires permission to go to Spain to more fully lay 
the matter before his Majesty. 

A. D. 1605. 

Minutes of the Bull or Supplication which the Min- 
ister of this Court in Rome should present to the Holy 
See, asking for the concession of new graces and 
powers in favor of the Catholic residents in Florida, 
which precepts have been formulated by the Judge 
complying with the Royal Decree of your Majesty in 
consultation with the Council. 

As formal instructions they should state that these 
Minorcan families transmigrated to Florida under the 
English dominion, but with the free use and privilege 
of their Catholic Religion. They carried with them as 
spiritual directors Don Pedro Campos, secular Priest, 
and Padre Bartolome Casanovas, a Monk, that these, 
for the legitimate discharge of their Ministerial duties, 
repair to the Holy See, begging they be constituted 
Pastor of that flock, dispensing them all the powers 
necessary, that your Holiness benignantly accede to 
their urgent petition, to grant them different privi- 
leges and powers, among others the administering to 
that Catholic people all the sacraments, even those not 
Parochial, except confirmation and Orders, extending 
this privilege for a term of three years when they shall 
obtain a new license from the superior Prelates or 
Bishop nearest to Florida. That is what has been 
done, because I have received a new Cedula from your 
Majesty ordering that the proceeds of the duties on 



Old St. Augustine 69 

wine should not be spent on anything but the bring- 
ing of water. I cease, satisfied, that before suspend- 
ing the execution of this Cedula. I shall take time to 
inform your Majesty that it was necessary for me to 
avail myself of this money for these purposes. I do 
not at present send an account, until I can send it 
finished, that it may not be a work which the Viceroy 
may consider impossible to accomplish at so small a 
cost. I beg of your Majesty to consider it. Otherwise 
I shall obey to the letter this Cedula and I await your 
reply. Not receiving a reply, I shall take for granted 
that your Majesty is satisfied. Being so general and 
important in this Kingdom the practise of other busi- 
ness, and there being a possibility of misunderstand- 
ing in this matter, I resolved to visit some of the vine- 
yards of this kingdom, and so I went to Tasco, some 
twenty-eight leagues from this city, taking advantage 
of the Christmas holidays, not to lose any time from 
my ordinary business, it has been of great advantage 
as I can state just how these things are conducted. I 
have stated to your Majesty in other letters, the 
municipality of this City is not governed as it should 
be, because the Priests or Monks think more of their 
own interests, reducing all to their own profit. As this 
takes place the Royal Officers cannot ordinarily attend 
the meetings, it would be well that the Viceroy should 
elect four persons of the best standing and principles 
upon whom your Majesty should bestow Government 
offices and that the Viceroy should oblige them to ac- 
cept, for at least four months in the year, giving them 
precedence after the Royal Officers, and thus assure 
their attention to matters which are looked upon in- 
differently in one of the best Cities you possess, and 



70 The Unwritten History of 

which is improving each day. If the Council will 
consider this proposition and your Majesty pleases 
to execute it. 

The Decree sent by me and the Official documents 
for the high notaries of Government and legislative 
bodies of this Audience and particularly for the not- 
aries of the Treasury, that they might transact some 
important business which was taken from the books 
and have been badly attended to because there is no 
one to be solicitous about this matter, and it not be- 
longing to the duties of the Judge, it is neglected as 
are other aff^airs. It becomes obligatory to find some 
faithful and trustworthy person of influence to take 
charge of this Office and assign them a salary of 
$800.00 a year. Show and make them understand 
the anxiety which I feel concerning it and how it re- 
tards other business. Being new in my Office I have 
not cared to assign any one until I had a license from 
your Majesty for doing so. I shall await your de- 
cision. It seems to me the salary could be assigned 
through the Legislature, and if they neglect their 
duties discharge them. 

In New Vera Cruz, Pedro Casco Calderon has been 
serving as Treasurer of the Royal Chest by nomination 
of your Majesty, he also occupied other Offices in 
Spain. He is old, the many years of service at that 
Post and the conduct of his wife, have disturbed his 
mind; he is also running a butcher shop and other 
enterprises not in accordance with the Royal Office. 
The situation is such that nothing should be concealed 
from you. In being served you might give him some 
small Office at home, and I should remove him to some 
other place, if I did not understand the necessity of 



Old St. Augustine 71 

his attending to his estate, which is in that neighbor- 
hood, and all his other profitable enterprises. 

The first registered vessel was lost on the coast of 
Campeachy, and although the Papers for your Majesty 
were taken out, they had been under water so long 
that they were useless, scarcely legible. The second 
vessel of advice was taken by the French on its re- 
turn from Saona, and they stripped it of everything, 
leaving vessel and crew in such a ruined condition 
they could proceed no further than Santo Domingo. 
Seeing that they were lost they threw the papers for 
your Majesty overboard. Thus it becomes necessary 
that one and the other be duplicated. Your Majesty 
will please see that the person in Sevilla who has 
charge of these vessels be careful of the person to 
whom he entrusts these Documents as so far the 
person in charge does not seem to understand their 
importance, and so, it is only miraculous that we get 
them at all. It has been very gratifying to all in this 
Kingdom the favor shown by your Majesty to Don 
Francisco. I trust he will serve you well and faith- 
fully. It is prohibited that an Alderman should serve 
a private individual under penalty of losing his Office. 
In this city Don Luis Maldona. son of Maldona 
who was Judge of this Supreme Court, has a regi- 
ment. On account of his talent and the good services 
he can render I have him occupied in my service, and 
that he may not fall under the penalty of the law I 
implore your Majesty to send him a permit that he 
may attend to both, or a license that he may resign 
his place in the regiment and serve your Majesty 
otherwise, on a salary that you shall name. I consider 
the first plan best. Don Luis Valasco has arrived and 



72 The Unwritten History of 

I thought best to introduce him and have some atten- 
tion bestowed upon him, on account of his position. 
I shall show him all respect and visit him, feeling sure 
you will thus be well served. The case is free of 
consequences. Having sent you a letter of dispatch 
through the Supreme Court of Castile stating that 
Dr. Lievana will go over to that Kingdom and render 
an account of the expenses of the residence and trip 
of the first Lieutenant of Assistencia of Sevilla. Dr. 
Lievana acted as Mayor in the interim between the 
death of Senor Trufillo and your appointing Don Fran- 
cisco de Onate. He is a person who will render you 
good service, he can be relied on, is among the noblest 
here, and could fill any office. I have detained this 
vessel that I might inform you of the departure of 
the vessel for the Phillipines. 

May God preserve you for many years. 

The Marquez of Montes Claras. 

Mexico, March 31st, 1606. 

(There is a Rubrica.) 



Sire-. A. D. 1605. 

I sent your Majesty one of your royal Cedulas dated 
in Valladolid, April 3rd, in which I laid before 
your Majesty the necessity and want these poor mar- 
ried men are in. It is impossible for them to support 
themselves; there are seven and eight in a family to 
be fed on the father's rations. As I have before stated 
to you, it would be a great charity as well as a service 
to God to help them that they may not perish. This 
may be remedied when the other people arrive. I can 



Old St. Augustine 73 

then give permission to the valetudinarians and sick 
to return home, your Majesty having sent as a reward 
for so many years of service the means to defray the 
cost of the voyage. I can give according to the con- 
dition of each one and to the married men who remain 
here in service please order an extra half ration for 
each child with some other slight assistance while 
they serve as soldiers and their daughters are too 
young to marry. I assure you that aside from being 
a great charity it will be no more than justice, as they 
are among the best soldiers I have ever seen on land 
or sea. Among the necessities your Majesty may see 
proper to relieve is the suffering of a lady of standing, 
widow of two captains who served many years in this 
Province and who had charge of it in the absence of 
the Governors. Aid given here will be one of the 
greatest of charities, as before stated. The negroes 
who were here for over forty years, working in the 
Havana forces, have died, and it will be well to send 
about a dozen more and three or four negro women. 
Your order that I should not collect from the New 
Spain more than was necessary I have carried out so 
far, and I wish to remind you to send a trustworthy 
accountant as the one at present occupying that office 
is not fitted for it. During the residence of Gonzalo 
Menendez Canso, the Treasurer, Juan Menendez, 
asked and exacted that duty should be paid your Ma- 
jesty on some amber which Bartolaine Perez and 
Caspar Martin, soldiers, had found in a fish's craw, 
and with promises which Gonzalo Menendez made 
the soldiers, he palliated them and said the duty must 
be paid according to one of the chapters of royal in- 
struction. At that time we could not ascertain if it 



74 The Unwritten History of 

were true. The said soldiers had already put in a 
plea to the said Gonzalo Menendez and as interested 
parties could not be witnesses in these investigations. 
The other person through whose hands it must pass 
was Lieutenant Fabeicio Lopez, and he was not here. 
He has returned now and makes the accompanying 
declaration, which you can place with the declaration 
of the soldiers, and you can have your duties and give 
the soldiers what was taken from them, not allowing 
them to make a manifestation. The Treasurer has 
asked me to let him use a permit he has to go to that 
kingdom on business and solicitations. I have not 
allowed him to use it, because we are so much in 
need of men and there are so few I can put my hand 
on in case of need. God protect your Majesty. 

Pedro Ibarra. 
Dec. 26th, 1605, St. Augustine, Florida. 



Sire: A. D. 1607. 

In a letter of the 22nd of January of the present 
year, which was sent from Havana with a notice of 
the death of Governor Don Pedro Acuna I have 
forwarded you, I have also notified you of what I 
thought of doing with the French and English pirates 
I held as prisoners. One day after the departure of 
the boat I sent to have them hanged, using with them 
such religious treatment as is customary. Ten of them 
were baptized, the others stated they had already 
been baptized. It seems that all died as Christians, so 
that this whole City with their fraternities turned out 
to lay them out and bury them. I only wish that with 



Old St. Augustine 75 

these pirates we might put an end to them all on these 
coasts. There are so many they keep me in great 
anxiety and I implore you to send me people to de- 
stroy them. I have every one on this coast enlisted 
to aid in their destruction. But my experience is that 
many have not only sheltered them, saved their lives 
and estates, but continue to serve them and allow them 
to come and go at will. They come from a distance 
of a hundred leagues with all confidence and safety. 
This week, which is Holy week, I have had here 
several Casiques and Chiefs who are the lords of the 
m.outh of Miguel Mora, where, I have before told you, 
we should erect a fort and from there capture the 
fleet of Charles. I shall tell you the names of these 
Casiques that you may know who they are and the 
great achievement I have made in gaining their serv- 
ices. They have returned to their country dressed 
and very happy and edified with the religious services 
and processions they have witnessed during this Holy 
season. They ask for Friars to instruct them. I told 
them I would come there to visit them. I notify you 
that this is the time that with more security and less 
cost a fort could be built there ; they themselves would 
act as peons, and if possible to do so I would myself 
ask that from Havana they would send me an en- 
gineer and eighty men with two launches. Look into 
this, as I am quite sure they would all lend themselves 
to serve in the building, as they would feel safe all 
along that coast from the invasions of the enemy. The 
other Provinces are very peaceful. With the war- 
riors, silver miners and woodm.en I have so long asked 
your Majesty to send me, I trust in God that we can 
touch with our hands the great wealth we surely have 



76 The Unwritten History of 

in the interior of this land. All this I ask of you I 
am moved to do by the zeal to serve you and enlarge 
your estate and not for rest or gain. From all these 
parts I have had here this week over five hundred 
Indians, and, God knows, to make them understand it, 
will require more men than I have in our Order to 
guide them. 

In a letter of September 23rd your Majesty com- 
mands me to make every possible inquiry to know the 
origin and source of the River San Mateo and Lake 
Miami. As I have always tried to make inquiries, 
about six months ago I discovered on the southern 
coast a river which I have had examined by three dif- 
ferent pilots, and find that it has nine fathoms of 
water at the entrance of a much wider river. I no- 
tified your Majesty of this new river. This garrison 
is composed of a warlike people and the Friars of San 
Francisco are thinking of establishing a Manager of 
the Inquisition to subject them and control their pas- 
sions. When I came here these warriors were in 
great want and I have come to an agreement together 
with the Royal Officers, that we should have Juan 
Nunez go to Castilla and try to make terms with some 
merchant to remedy these occurrences. To Fray 
Pedro Ruiz they have brought an Order from your 
Majesty in which you command me to let him go to 
Castilla on account of his age and failing health ; that 
he is of no further use. It seems to me this Friar has 
not been here so many years and he is perfectly sound 
and fresh and robust, never having had so much as a 
headache. 

Captain Alonzo de las Alas has presented me a 
Cedula from your Majesty which gives him permission 



Old St. Augustine 77 

to go to Castilla for a term of two years and that 
during that time he is to receive no salary. He claims 
that it is an oversight in not appointing some one in 
his place and allowing him to draw his salary as here- 
tofore and which is just, because whoever takes his 
place is entitled to half of his pay, and for this it will 
be necessary that your Majesty order Bartolome Ar- 
ruchas to return to his Post as the permit granted him 
by your Majesty has expired. 

God protect your Majesty. Pedro Ibarra. 

May 16th, 1607, St. Augustine, Fla. 



Your Lordship : A. D. 1608, 

Through a letter of September 20th of last year, 
1602, and an account rendered the Bishop of Cuba 
(the past year of 1606) who came to confirm the 
Spanish Christians not yet confirmed and the native 
Indians of these Provinces, I told him all that I 
thought would be most convenient to the service of 
God our Lord and your Majesty regarding the con- 
version of this Garrison to which I again refer, it hav- 
ing come to my knowledge that your Royal Council 
did not repeat it to you, fearing to tire or annoy you. 
Now, on learning the resolution you have taken of 
reforming this Garrison and reducing it to one hun- 
dred and fifty infantry, I am sure you have listened to 
the advice of persons who have never seen this coast, 
nor do they know anything about the interior of the 
country, nor the great benefits which have been ac- 
complished in the conversion of the natives who are 
idolaters and savages, hesitating at no crime however 
horrible. 



78 The Unwritten History of 

If Gonzalo Menendez Canso were moved with the 
true zeal of God and a proper desire to serve your 
Majesty it would have been no more than just that 
when he first assumed control of this Government he 
should have given you a full and detailed account of 
the existing state of affairs and sought your advice 
and not waited until he was quite sure that his Office 
was to be filled by some one else. 

Again, I decided to write this to implore you to con- 
sider and look closely into the matters upon which I 
have advised you and which I have done in all truth 
and fidelity as I am obliged to for my King. Knowing 
also that the King of glorious memory, your father, 
had more trouble and combats than at present on ac- 
count of economy and the abandoning of this Garrison, 
he never listened to such things; on the contrary, in 
the time of Governor General Pedro Menendez Mar- 
quez, my first cousin, he increased the force to one 
hundred and fifty soldiers of Infantry and by thus 
assigning them to this Post their aid and succor suc- 
ceeded in subjugating the Indians and in bringing and 
attracting them to hear the Holy Gospel, and listen to 
the words of the Friars who preached. This is a public 
truth. And since that time no Governor has made any 
conquests or discoveries, nor gone in person to treat 
with the Indians nor draw them towards civilization 
by gifts or other means. And if you would at least 
grant us a Garrison of defense of three hundred In- 
fantry and thirty marines besides the Friars, Governor 
and Royal officials, with orders that they proceed to 
feret out the secrets of the interior of the country, 
where Lieutenant Mocana entered, and in which lati- 
tude there can no doubt be found an excellent port, 



Old St. Augustine 79 

particularly at Cayagua, where any Armada could 
with safety enter in an altitude of thirty-three and one- 
fourth degrees, and where I have myself been in the 
past year of 1588. Should it prove advantageous and 
convenient in the Bay of the Mother of God, of 
Macan, at a height of thirty-seven degrees at its 
mouth, and which terminates at the foot of the moun- 
tain range where I was also, in the same year, in 
search of the English settlement. It is a more shelt- 
ered harbor than this one and nearer for obtaining 
aid, and an entrance could be made through the Prov- 
ince of Guale in the land of Tulufino, which corre- 
sponds with that called Tama, on the skirts of the 
mountain range. It might be a very advantageous 
move which would result in the glory of God and your 
Majesty's interest; for if we could bring these people 
to honor the Governor of the garrison and when they 
found that he was working for their good and not the 
contrary, there would naturally result a reform among 
the enemies and we might aspire to carry out your 
designs in a satisfactory manner. Under' existing 
circumstances it is impossible for this Garrison, com- 
posed of so few men, to march out or in any way try 
to defend themselves against the enemy, and nothing 
remains but to die bravely defending the Garrison as 
best they can, and when there remains no one else to 
defend it, it leaves the Friars and converted Indians to 
the mercy of God, for it is the only help they can look 
to, the Forts and Castles of Flanders being so far away 
they would be slow to respond. If there is to be no 
more infantry sent I think it would be well to agree 
upon making this Fort a ravelin and build a good 
trench of defense along the coast to prevent the enemy 



80 The Unwritten History of 

from jumping over and in every possible way attend 
to the preservation of all the above mentioned regard- 
ing the Friars and converted natives. Put a stop to 
all these ambushes and skirmishes and other nuisances 
which oblige them (the natives) to leave their settle- 
ments and fortify themselves upon your domains and 
do great damage to vessels coming in and going out 
at the mouth of the Bahama channel, making it un- 
safe all along the coast of this part of the Indies, 
possessed by your Majesty and which you will possess 
for many years for the glory of God and the welfare 
of the souls of these poor natives, and may His Divine 
Majesty not permit these arbitrations and troubles 
caused by a few men who are incited by their passions 
and own selfish interests and with the pretext of 
saving you some twenty or thirty thousand dollars 
cause such great trouble that your expenses will be 
more than doubled in repairing the damage. You 
support and maintain the Garrisons of Havana and 
Porto Rico from rents and taxes of New Spain and it 
is not just nor proper to put difficulties in your way 
to prevent you from preserving and sustaining in the 
same way this one which should be well defended as it 
is a Port from whence you can pass through those 
same inland regions to Mexico, and, in my opinion, 
it is very important to preserve it for this purpose. 
Havana is of importance, being the key to the Indias 
and a place where the Armadas and fleets can re- 
plenish and repair to continue their voyages through 
these Kingdoms. With all humility I beg you receive 
my zeal and good wishes which is to always serve you 
with fidelity and truth as has been done by my parents, 
and if on this occasion I did not call vour attention to 



Old St. Augustine 81 

these matters, which are of vast import, I should be 
committing a crime, and in all this I subject myself 
to better judgment and implore your Majesty with all 
humility that as I can be of no other use in this Post, 
but to serve as Treasurer of these Provinces, which 
I am at present doing, you will consider my application 
and give me permission to go to Spain and render an 
account of the Royal finances intrusted to my care 
since June of the past year of 1603, hereafter and for 
this purpose that I be given receipts of my charge, 
and that during my absence from this Port the employ- 
ment be at the risk and account of the person left in 
my place, and who must give bond as is customary in 
vacations of similar Posts and offices and at the same 
time that the Governor provide that he be given one 
half of the salary and that I receive the other half as 
a means of helping me to defray my expenses, and if 
my mind does not deceive me my services are deserv- 
ing of it for the care and anxiety I have suffered in 
this Garrison by wishing to defend the cause of the 
profit of the Royal finance of your Majesty and the 
desire that I have of settling my accounts, not only 
those I have of my own, but also those of Pedro 
Redondo which will seem to have been given with 
pay, which will be the case with those I render if God 
will give me life for it to employ in your Royal Service. 
May God grant you many and happy years for the 
mercy and defense of the faith, the preservation of 
peace and tranquility of many more kingdoms, and 
the conversion of as many idolaters as are in these 
parts. Juan Menkndez Marquez. 

St. Augustine, Fla., January 5th. 1608. 



82 The Unwritten History of 



CHAPTER VII. 

A. D. 1622-1640. 
Report of Antonio Benavides to his Majesty — En- 
deavored to execute order of the King to establish 
friendly relations with the English of the Carolinas 
— Sent Don Francisco Menendez together with 
other Officers — The Mission a failure owing to the 
English not having instruction from London — 
Find that the English have built fort on Spanish 
territory — Requested its removal in order to avoid 
trouble between the two nations — The English 
Governor refused — Matter fully laid before his 
Majesty — Report of Luis De Rojas — Frigate sent 
from Augustine to Havana to help fleet from New 
Spain bring over supplies for Garrison — They 
discover thirteen vessels, which proves to be an 
enemy who gi^je chase to the Frigate — The pilot 
and soldiers landed, followed by the enemy, until 
a forest is reached, where the enemy leaves them 
— Returning to their launches the enemy strip the 
Frigate and burn the hull — The enemy coast along 
shore frightening the Indians, lodging in their huts 
— A large force of Indians were gathered together 
with one hundred and fifty soldiers to pursue the 
enemy at which they reembark and sail away — 
A Spanish Frigate arrives bearing forty-seven per- 
sons, all that was left of three vessels which had 
been captured by the enemy who proved to be 
bearing provisions to a Dutch Fleet in Havana — 



Old St. Augustine 83 

Recommends his Majesty to build a fort at the Bar 
at the place called Jega — Report of Luis Ussitinez 
to his Majesty — The Mandate of the King has been 
carried out in regard to prayer to God for the suc- 
cess of the King's arms taken up against France — 
1636 — An account of a meeting of the Board of 
the City Council of Havana at which a clergyman 
of the Holy Office of the Inquisition appears with 
an Auto from the Senior Commissionado, Don 
Francisco de las Casas, of the Holy Office of this 
city, containing instructions as to certain cere- 
monies in connection with the Inquisition. 

Your Lordship : 

By your Royal dispatch of last year you ordered me 
to immediately establish friendly relations with the 
English of the Carolinas, and that your Majesty had 
asked that the Court of London should pass efficacious 
measures to have the order repeated, which was given 
in virtue of the suspension of arms between your 
Majesty's crown and that of England, to the end that 
these vessels be not disturbed by the English of the 
Carolinas, nor the Indians of their Province, so that 
they may derive the benefits of the land and live in 
tranquility and love as your Majesty desires. That 
for this purpose I should in my ministerial capacity 
go to the Governor of Carolina instigating him to 
make them observe punctually the treaty of suspen- 
sion of arms. I executed this order immediately and 
sent the Auditor E>on Francisco Menendez accompa- 
nied by other Officers of the Garrison of this Post, 
with orders to adjust a firm agreement with the Gov- 
ernor that on the part of the English they should 



84 The Unwritten History of 

cease to incite the Indians, and thus they and the lab- 
orers might Hve without injury one from the other; 
that this agreement was equally important for both 
Nations. To this proposition, and others certified, in 
the testimony of the letter which the referred to Don 
Francisco Menendez carried and on this occasion I 
remit to you. The Governor and parliament of the 
Carolina replied that they had received no orders from 
the King of Great Britain, but that notwithstanding 
they would try to maintain friendly relations with this 
Government during the suspension of arms. Immedi- 
ately upon the arrival of Auditor Don Francisco Men- 
endez in Carolina, he was informed that the English 
had built a wooden fort at the mouth of Talaje, one of 
your Provinces, where for many years were settled 
the Indians, and on account of the blockade we put 
upon it, they retired. Don Francisco immediately de- 
manded of the Governor and Parliament the reason for 
building there; that it was your Majesty's Territory, 
etc., and stating that it might cause trouble between 
the two Nations and once that war was started it would 
be difficult to stop on account of the Indians. His re- 
ply was simply that to secure his dominions from in- 
vasion and harm, the King of Great Britain had or- 
dered it built, and that they should found Towns in 
the best and most approved manner. The Auditor re- 
quested its removal from your Territory, but they re- 
fused to do so, stating that his orders were not suffi- 
cient, and expressed nothing whatever in regard to 
this Fort. I infer that with the incoming of this new 
Governor in the Carolinas, not only will the Fort be 
completed, but they will settle all the Islands belonging 
to your jurisdiction, and thus make the Carolinas im- 



Old St. Augustine 85 

pregnable and reduce this Garrison to a more lament- 
able condition than it is, and the Indians watch- 
ing their opportunities will come upon us and also 
takes sides with the English, who will supply them 
with arms and ammunition, a thing they most ardent- 
ly desire. The Auditor was also informed that in the 
Carolinas they were waiting the arrival of large quan- 
tities of arms and ammunition from England. They 
can in time of war easily invade this Castle, the only 
desire and aim they have, on account of the great im- 
portance it would be to the preservation of their colo- 
nies in this New England and the facility it would 
give them for capturing vessels coming and going 
through the Bahama Channel, the nearness of this 
Castle being just what they most desire. In giving 
you this information I not only appease my conscience 
but fulfilled my obligations to you by showing you the 
great danger which threatens you and the terrible re- 
sults it might cause, and I leave it to the intelligence 
of your Royal Highness to act in this matter as best 
pleases you. 

May God save you. Antonio Be;navides. 

St. Augustine, Fla., April 21st, 1622. ( '"^ "^ f" 



Sire: 1627. 

After having written your Majesty giving an ac- 
count of having faithfully fulfilled all the instructions 
of your dififerent Royal Cedula, I will, in this, give a 
detailed account of what occurred on August 25th of 
this year. I ordered Captain Diego del Pozo to em- 
bark in one of the frigates of your Majesty's Service 
in this Garrison, and proceed to Havana, to help bring 



86 The Unwritten History of 

over the supply for this Garrison, which was to come 
on the fleet from New Spain. Following his journey 
and coasting along these Provinces, near the Cape of 
Canaveral, on Sunday, the 13th of September, in the 
morning, he discovered thirteen vessels, ten large ones 
and three smaller ones. Believing it to be the Fleet, he 
made signals and hoisted the flag, but as no answer 
was returned he saw clearly that it was the enemy. At 
the same time one of their three smaller vessels came 
forward and gave him chase. The Frigate being small 
went so near in shore that the vessel could not reach 
it, seeing which they lowered two rowboats to chase 
and attack the Frigate, each boat carrying twelve- sol- 
diers and ten mariners. The Frigate resisted the 
attack with arquebuses. The enemy not making any 
headway, called for more aid, which was sent them 
by two more larger launches w4th a hundred men. Cap- 
tain Diego del Pozo finding himself in such a tight 
place, and the pilot and soldiers thinking they would 
stand a better chance on land, he decided to land. The 
enemy followed close, he fought them step by step 
until they came to a thick forest, when the enemy de- 
cided to leave them. The skirmish lasted about two 
hours. On returning to their launches the enemy first 
stripped the Frigate of all they wanted and burned the 
hull. When Captain Pozo saw that he would have to 
abandon the ship, he threw the two pieces of artillery 
he carried overboard. All this occurred about forty 
leagues from this Garrison. In a few days I was noti- 
fied of this misfortune and I sent a launch with in- 
fantry to get the men from the Frigate. All arrived 
safely without the loss of a single man. I had the 
testimony taken and ascertained the truth and found 



Old St. Augustine 87 

that the Captain and his men were here and did their 
duty faithfully. Further proof and truth was ascer- 
tained a few days later from the soldiers I sent by 
land to reconnoitre the coast where the Frigate was 
lost — they brought word that the thirteen vessels 
which had been sent to chase the Frigate were coasting 
along slowly taking on water and wood. They had 
disembarked and taken up lodging in the Indian huts, 
the Indians fleeing with fear. Some, by gifts, had 
been induced to return, others came to me for protec- 
tion. Following this, I received further news that 
three of the thirteen vessels were lost and the crew on 
land. This proved not to be true — in going over the 
Bar three launches were lost and a few of the men 
drowned. Feeling it was not right to have the enemy 
land on your Majesty's domain, where we are at pres- 
ent safe and on friendly relations with the Indians, I 
immediately gave orders and gathered a large force of 
Indians and, with a hundred and fifty of our men, I 
set out determined to find the enemy and thrust them 
out. I appointed Captain Melchar Durante to take 
command here during my absence, he being an old 
man of much experience. I was continuing my pur- 
suit of the enemy when I received news of their hav- 
ing re-embarked and sailed off, so I returned sending 
one of the Sergeants with a squad of twenty men to 
the Bar, and that they might recover the three launches 
if they were worth it. This they did promptly, re- 
turning with two of the launches in fair condition, the 
third they left as it was too badly injured to be of use. 
They brought the same news of the enemy's proceed- 
ings. On the 20th of said month a Frigate arrived. On 
sending out to recognize her, we found it to be Span- 



88 The Unwritten History of 

ish. It was one of the fleet which was overtaken by 
the enemy and brought in forty-seven persons, marin- 
ers and passengers, among them an Augustinian 
Monk. It was what was left of the three vessels 
taken by the enemy of the thirteen vessels. They were 
captured off Cape San Antonio. On one of the ves- 
sels were the papers and information sent by the Vice- 
roy to Don Carlos Ybarra, General of the Spanish 
fleet, which was coming from Spain. They captured 
it near Cape Catoche, and the papers for General 
Ybarra and your Majesty were thrown overboard to 
prevent the enemy from getting them. They were in 
the enemy's power for twelve days, when they put 
them on this small Frigate with scant rations, and told 
them they were free to come to this Garrison, where 
they arrived half-starved. I took them in and fed 
them at your Majesty's expense, as part of them had 
lost their lives in your service and they were your vas- 
sals. They remained here a month, and on the first 
opportunity which presented itself, I gave them pas- 
sage for Havana. Auiong the forty-six persons were 
four pilots and fou-r boatswain v/ho gave a long ac- 
count of what they heard while prisoners. They par- 
ticularly spoke of the Armada in charge of Tomas 
Raspuro, which they had been waiting for, but on see- 
ing so many large vessels of war and knowing they 
would be outnumbered, they desisted and retired 
along the coast — it was then they captured these three 
frigates of this Garrison of which I have given you de- 
tailed account. These Pilots informed me that these 
thirteen vessels came with supplies and ammunition 
and provisions for the Dutch fleet, which was in Ha- 
vana, but they learned it had departed and they were 



Old St, Augustine 89 

too late. Being unable to assault our Fleet as she en- 
tered the mouth of the channel, they decided to take 
one of the Pilots who was experienced in the Honduras 
waters and there await the Admiral and Captain of our 
fleet and make them prisoners. They questioned them 
the whole time they were prisoners and asked their ad- 
vice, finally turning them loose on the small frigate, 
so that it was a miracle they were saved. The thirteen 
vessels were manned by very young men, most of them 
boys, and they could not tell the name of the squadron, 
but the Admiral was Pedro Yanez, a German, a native 
of Amsterdam. They got all the information possible 
regarding this Garrison, and say that next summer 
they will come and ransack and burn the City. At 
that time there were only forty men, less than the 
three hudred you should always maintain here — so, I 
selected others, forced them into service and have 
them drilled and armed. I have given you a full ac- 
count of all the happenings on the coast this summer. 
I hope I have done so, as a good vassal, and for this 
reason I should warn and advise your Majesty to build 
a Fort at the Bar at a place they call Jega — it being the 
place where vessels all come to cast anchor when they 
want to take on water, wood, and to await the 
merchant ships and others they wish to capture. Many 
of your ships and nearly all those bringing supplies to 
this Garrison are lost in this way. A Fort at this place 
would act as a sentinel, and guard against their land- 
ing and helping themselves. It would also be well to 
have it in case of vessels being wrecked along this 
coast, as so many are, to be able to rescue and save 
the crews and passengers, who so often perish at the 
hands of pirates and cruel Indians. One cannot trust 



90 The Unwritten History of 

the Indians, they are children born of traitors. I am 
sure the Germans would not approach if they saw the 
place occupied by Spaniards. For this you would be 
obliged to increase a hundred soldiers more than are 
in this Garrison. Besides the men would have to be 
relieved from time to time from there as the work 
would be arduous, and no soldier or any one could 
withstand the mosquitoes which are so bad they kiU 
the men, and destroy much of the food. The cost of 
this Fort you would have to send some one to estimate. 
I could not feel that I had properly complied with my 
duty until I have notified you of this great and urgent 
need. Hoping your Majesty may spend many happy 
years, as your vassals need you. 

Luis de Rojas. 
St. Augustine, Fla., February 13th, 1627. 



Sire: A. D. 1636. 

By a Cedula of your Royal Highness, dated in Mad- 
rid, on the 28th of June of last year, you command 
me to have a general offering of prayer in all the 
churches in the district under my command, imploring 
God that you may be successful in the arms you have 
taken up against France, on account of her evil de- 
signs against you. You also recommend that I im- 
prove the conduct and manners of the people here; 
that if necessary I punish them publicly for their of- 
fences. I immediately complied with your order, and 
had them go out from the high church in procession, 
those of the Seraphic Order joining with all the oth- 
ers. They went through all the streets of the City, 
then a high mass was sung, and prayers offered for 



Old St. Augustine 91 

your success. I also sent a message to all the other 
Churches and Convents to have like services celebrated. 
In regard to the conduct of the residents of these 
Province, Spaniards as well as natives, I have great 
care in every respect, and from today, complying with 
your Mandate, I shall redouble my vigilance. May 
God spare your Majesty many years, for the good of 
Christianity. Luis Ussitinez. 

St. Augustine, Fla. 



Havana, A. D. 1640. 

In the city of Havana on the 13th day of April, 
1678, there was a meeting of the Board in the Hall of 
the City Council as is usual and customary. The Mas- 
ter of the Field. Don Francisco Davila, Governor and 
Captain-General of said City, and the Messrs. Nicolas 
Castellan, Lieutenant-Major Don Pedro Valdes, Don 
Pedro Recio de Oquendo, First Alderman, Captain 
Don Bias Pedraso. 

In the presence of the Notary, the following was 
agreed : 

They had begun to discuss some business when 
there was a rap at the door, the Governor rang the 
bell, the porter opened the door and said that outside 
was the Lieutenant Don Antonio Grazeano, a noted 
clergyman of the Holy Office of the Inquisition, that 
he brought a message from the Inquisition for his 
Lordship of the Board. He sent this youngest Alder- 
man with the Secretary to receive him, as he came in 
the name of the Inquisition. Entering and having 
been seated in the midst of the Aldermen, he announced 
that he brought an Auto from the Senor Comis- 



92 The Unwritten History of 

sionado, Don Francisco de las Casas, of the Holy Office 
of this City. He was told to read it, which he did, and 
delivered it. His Lordship asked that he give testi- 
mony of his authority in order to agree upon the mat- 
ter of which it treated, and for the better veneration of 
God and of so Holy a Tribunal. Don Antonio Glaziano 
drew forth from his pocket a folded paper which he 
delivered in my, the Notary's' presence. Opening it, it 
contained a sheet of paper, the first leaf of which was 
written on both sides, signed, it appeared, by the said 
Don Antonio Graziano. This duty performed, he 
arose and left, accompanying him to the door, the 
same ones who received him, and I, the present No- 
tary. The door being closed his Lordship ordered in- 
serted to the letter the testimony, the tenor of which is 
as follows : 

In the City of Havana on the same day, Dr. Fran- 
cisco de las Casas, "Comissionado" of the Holy Office 
of the Inquisition in the City of Carthagena, said : 
That last Sunday, the eighth of the current month, 
seeming to him opportune, and by order of the Holy 
Tribunal for which purpose he warned and made 
known to the present Notary and all the gentlemen of 
the Board, that they might concur to their duty as or- 
dered by your Majesty, preceding these courtesies and 
compliments. 

That on the day appointed they should go from the 
residence of the Lord Comissionado to the Holy Pa- 
rochial Church of this City, in the order referred in 
the testimony given by the present Notary. The func- 
tion terminated, they should leave the church, return 
to the residence of the Lord Comissionado. It seems 
they wished to alter this form at the gates and places 



Old St. Augustine 93 

they had been, and, as on the day of the Anethema the 
same celebration must be repeated, the Lord Comis- 
sionado wished, with the best intentions, and not to 
be lacking in the form observed by the Tribunal for 
said act to which they should cling, this was entirely 
for the reasons of his Office and to avoid public alter- 
cations, from which originate unnecessary noise and 
unrest, contrary to the decency and gravity of this 
Tribunal. This is well known to the Tribunal and 
Board of said City, it must be done in the following 
manner : That the Board should come in this form to 
the residence of the Lord Commissionado and conduct 
him to the church, he going by the side of the Gover- 
nor, the other ministers each one between two Alder- 
men, according to the Office and time of service and 
somewhat in advance of this Lord Commissionado 
and Governor with the standard of the Faith which 
must be carried by the person of greatest authority 
who should be present. The balls of the standard by 
the next in authority. That on arriving at the church 
the priests must come out to receive them, sprinkling 
them with holy water, and conduct them to their seats, 
which shall be in the High Chapel, on the Gospel side, 
in a chair covered with velvet and a carpet at the 
feet. Consecutively, next to the Governor and Lord 
Commissionado on a covered bench, the High Con- 
stable and other attendants and ministers of the Holy 
Office. That the Governor and Board are to be seated 
thus the day of publication, on the Gospel side; that 
the Lord Commissionado should be the preferred in 
all things ; that at the hour for leaving, the Notary ac- 
companied by two attendants, will mount the pulpit 
and from thence he shall swear them in, in a loud voice. 



94 The Unwritten History of 

to the oath of Faith. This finished, they are to take 
the Lord Commissionado back to his residence. They 
are to try and carry out these ceremonies in as grave 
and reverential a manner as possible, this being one 
of the most important ceremonies of the Holy Office 
of the Inquisition, and this City belongs to its District. 
There are reasons for other ceremonies, and so I, the 
present Notary, was ordered to witness them, that I 
might give testimony and the work proceed according 
to the acts published, and so that all could be reported 
to the Lord Inquisitadores of the Holy Tribunal. Then 
it was provided and ordered to be signed. 

Dr. Francisco de las Casas. 

This agrees with the original which I have in my 
possession, and having consulted the matter, the fol- 
lowing was agreed upon: 

First: As regards the form in which the City, ac- 
cording to the acts of Faith, must proceed to the Resi- 
dence of the Lord Commissionado and Minister of 
the Holy Office, as also in the public streets, we cite 
or quote a Cedula from your Majesty where you refer 
to Don Juan Solozano, whose political authority in 
Peru entitles him to have a voice, and on this point we 
are warned by your Majesty to guard against the Lord 
Commissionado assuming superiority of the Governor. 
In Peru, where the matter was first discussed of pre- 
cedence the form is as follows: The City goes from 
the City Hall, as customary, to the residence of the 
Lord Commissionado, where he is awaiting them in 
the yard. There he is incorporated in the procession, 
being placed at the left of the Governor, and all march 
in twos, the magistrates and constables of longest 



Old St. Augustine 95 

standing given the preference, and the Ministers of 
the Holy Office intermixed, but preference always to 
the Officers of Justice. On arriving at the church, as- 
signing seats and all through the ceremonies care is 
taken that the greatest preference and respect be 
shown the Governor, as stated in your Royal Cedula, 
and thus it was conducted last Sunday in going and 
coming from which much discussion has arisen, as 
certified in the testimony which I, the present Notary, 
insert to the letter, although the Lord Commissionado 
states in the Auto that all preference was given the 
Governor. 1640. 



96 The Unwritten History of 



CHAPTER VIII. 

A. D. 1655-1657. 

An anonymous letter to his Majesty recounts the death 
of Governor Benito Ruid Salazer by a contagious 
sickness during the absence of the Sergeant Major 
— The office is held by two others pro tern. — They 
also died suddenly after serving a short term — 
Certain officials of the Garrison who are related 
meet at night and elect as Governor Don Pedro 
Ruitinez — Who intimidates the people and squan- 
ders the money sent for their support — The Treas- 
urer a partner in the illegality, and the Judge 
receives hush money — This Governor maltreated 
an official who is also a soldier and a conveyor of 
monies and goods for this port from Havana, for 
his Majesty — Traffic in amber from the Indians — 
Taking the iron and implements sent to be used in 
repairing the Fort as money to purchase this amber 
— Declares he will consult his own pleasure con- 
cerning the laws of the Church, taking communion 
once in one and one-half years — A distressing con- 
dition of mismanagement — No name signed to the 
letter — A report from Diego Robelledo, 1657, con- 
cerning the necessity of having an officer to guard 
the port for incoming and outgoing vessels as 
pirates had frequently entered and landed before 
notice could be given — Also the appointment of an 
officer and twelve infantrymen to guard other 
ports of the coast — He desists from building more 



Old St. Augustine 97 

fortiUcations because of the opposition of the Pri- 
ors, who protested that the proximity of the Span- 
iards would retard the conversion of the Indians — 
The Governor feels that the danger is far greater 
to the development of his Majesty's Provinces to 
allow the enemy a foothold in a Province as rich 
as Appalachicola — The great distance of some of 
the Provinces — Indians dying with smallpox — The 
burden of carrying food such a distance on the 
shoulders of men — Pray Jaun Gomez reports 
(1667) of the uprising of some of the Indian Chiefs 
who march to St. Augustine and hang the Gov- 
ernor because of his insistance on their carrying 
heavy loads of corn into the settlement, when they, 
the Indians, had vassals to perform such labors — 
Reports that the Island of Jamaica is heavily for- 
tified by the English who intend taking Cuba — 
These reports causing much uneasiness in these 
Provinces. 

My Lord : A. D. 1655. 

Moved by piety, and a desire for peace and quie- 
tude, it has seemed to me timely to notify you regard- 
ing the Government of this Province and Garrison of 
St. Augustine, Fla., being as you are so high and com- 
passionate a Minister, who is always thinking and car- 
ing for the welfare of his people. My Lord, Governor 
Benito Ruid Salazar, former Governor of this Prov- 
ince, died at the time the Sergeant-Major was absent. 
God, it seems, took him by a contageous sickness, and 
although two others have been nominated pro tem., by 
the death of Benito Ruiz, the reins of government 
were left in charge of the Auditor Nicolas Ponce de 
5 



98 The Unwritten History of 

Leon, who governed for six months more or less, when 
he died suddenly. For this reason, a few of the Offi- 
cials of this Garrison, who are related, met at night in 
different parts of the City, and with sufficient defama- 
tory speech elected as Governor Don Pedro Ruitinez, 
with flattering promises to those who would give their 
vote. When he had been Governor one year and a 
half, he had given twenty-three patents of captain, 
the most of them to two companies of this Garrison, 
four positions as wardens of the Fort, three Sergeant- 
Majors said to be andantes — three Auditors, one 
Treasurer — calling himself Governor and Captain- 
General. In granting these patents, and other things 
he has done, he has thrown down the flags, and had 
the artillery at the Fort salute. He arrived here on 
the seventeenth of July, with the Auditor, Treasurer, 
Sergeant-Ma j or and the two captains of infantry who 
all left that court at the sam.e time. The Sergeant- 
Major brought a Cedula from your Majesty, for the 
Governor, which he presented to Don Pedro Ruitinez, 
and it was not possible to comply with it, it being a 
military promotion, placing the Sergeant-Major as 
Governor. Don Pedro Ruitinez had received notice that 
Don Diego de Rolallado had been appointed Governor 
and Captain-General of this Port — he sent some friends 
over to Havana to meet and entertain him during his 
stay in that City, and thus Don Pedro has maintained 
his friendly relations with the Governor, although he 
has not said a word of how he intimidated the people 
to elect him Governor — nor his other doings — nor how 
he refused to turn over the Government to the Ser- 
geant-Major. But he did demand his pay. Your 
Lordship, the Governor and Captain-General arrived 



Old St. Augustine 99 

at this Garrison on the 18th of June, 1654, having re- 
ceived in Havana $20,000 sent by the Auditor and 
placed to the credit of this Garrison. This money he 
used in Havana as follows : Goods — $7,000, gaining 
in this purchase more than 200 per cent. He sent Don 
Alonzo Menendez with $8,000 to relieve the suffering 
and need of the infantry and others who are in your 
service, and he sold to advantage the remaining goods. 
In the month of February of this present year there 
arrived a vessel laden with flour, iron implements and 
other goods, and although it is true that the person in 
whose charge they came, brought over $40,000 to be 
delivered to this treasury, he only delivered $15,000, 
because in Havana the duties were so heavy and they 
demanded the pay. The soldier in whose care this 
jnoney and goods came, is Domingo Nunez. He spent 
in Havana $2,000 on clothing, filling an order received 
from the Governor, and another $2,000 in clothing he 
was to bring from New Spain. The Governor after 
ordering this became infuriated with Domingo Nunez, 
cursing him, beating and slapping him in the most 
unheard of manner — accusing him of not bringing all 
the clothing ordered, and finally he had him placed in 
the stockade on the beach. He then had the boxes and 
packages taken to a neighbor's and soldier, and opened 
them — finding after pricing them and adding one- 
fourth more than the cost to them, that they amounted 
to more than the $2,000. He then went several times 
to Domingo Nunez, demanded his papers, searched 
them, kept him in prison, and then without cause or 
reason turned him out. It is true he becomes enraged 
for the slightest cause. It is a positive fact, that he 
and another spendthrift named Fan fan, have sent out 



100 The Unwritten History of 

from his (the Governor's) house, chocolate to be sold 
on the streets by his body guards. At the time there 
was such great distress and scarcity, he sent out wine 
to be sold at such exhorbitant prices that only those 
compelled to have it could buy. In this tavern of his, 
the people sell cutlasses for bread, chocolate and to- 
bacco. In the large store, run now by Lorenzo Josi, 
they sell rum and clothing — a bottle of rum costs eight 
dollars which is an outrage. According to Manuel 
Barrios, the tavern keeper, he makes thirty-one dol- 
lars on a cask. Since there is no more money left to 
buy these commodities for cash he has adopted anoth- 
er method of selling them in exchange for labor, and 
makes out checks for this amount. My Lord, in the 
month of July of last year, there came to this Garrison 
a party of Indians, who live on the coast near the Ba- 
hama Channel with a large quanitity of amber, some 
of which they presented to the Governor, the rest they 
gave in exchange for goods, and because a few of the 
soldiers bought some in exchange for clothing he was 
exceedingly angry. When these Indians left the 
land he had them followed by two rowboats with sol- 
diers. He finally sent Don Alonzo Menendez with 
goods that he should bring him all the amber he could 
obtain, he also sent out others. The Lieutenants were 
Don Alonzo Menendez and Juan Dominguez and 
Alonzo Garcia. This trading for amber was carried 
on for six months. They used up all the iron imple- 
ments. At first we thought that these implements were 
broken and thrust aside as worthless, soon, however, 
we discovered they were used to trade for amber, as 
well as five hundred tons more of iron which was 
brought from New Spain. All this was paid for from 



Old St. Augustine 101 

your Treasury. The amber was sold in Havana for 
the sum of forty thousand dollars. In the meantime 
the Fort has been allowed to suffer, it is falling to 
pieces in many places, the timber that was cut in the 
forest has rotted and the troops' time and iron imple- 
ments are all used in the trade for amber. The in- 
fantry and other persons drawing a salary from your 
Highness have been on several occasions in a great 
rage with the Treasurer who abuses them and threat- 
ens them that Don Diego Rovellado will have them 
killed in the field — the guards, for the slightest of- 
fense, are beaten through the streets, and even impris- 
oned in the Church of San Francisco, and at times 
when he can catch them in his own house he slaps and 
beats them unmercifully. In a year and a half that 
he has been Governor he has only once complied with 
the laws of the Church, confessing and receiving the 
communion publicly. He says that every one can do 
as he pleases ; that he does as he pleases. At the Fort 
he does not have the flag hoisted, only two guards at 
night and their round is an easy one, but he takes the 
men to guard his house every night, paying them a few 
dimes, and in the day he takes others to whom he 
pays two or three dimes, notwithstanding that your 
Majesty sends money each year to pay these men, but 
I am told that Don Diego Rovellado has paid the 
judge some five or six thousand dollars and he can 
escape free from any charge made against him. All 
that I state to your Highness in this letter, you may 
be quite sure is the truth, and I hope you will deem it 
proper to relieve your vassals from this unnecessary 
suffering. May God guard you and make you happy 
for many years. No Signature. 

St. Augustine, Fla., November 20th, 1655. 



102 The Unwritten History of 

His Lordship: A. D. 1657. 

Having begun the conversion of the Indians in the 
Province of Apalache at the close of the administra- 
tion of Governor Louis Harristenir, who was immedi- 
ately succeeded by Dannian de las Vegas. He placed 
a few soldiers in this Province to guard the going out 
and incoming of vessels. Having been imformed that 
they entered and left the Port, and there was no one 
to give any report of them. This guard was kept 
there during the assumption of power by Benito Ruiz 
Salazar and the Auditor Nicolas Ponce de Leon, until 
the Sergeant-Major Don Pedro Harristenir entered as 
Governor. This latter, to please the Friar, he not 
only dismantled the estates of your Majesty in those 
parts, but he also retired the Lieutenant and soldiers 
who assisted him, having no one to administer justice 
to the Natives, nor to give information concerning the 
Post, and so, immediately upon my taking the place of 
Governor, having been informed by the General Gov- 
ernors and other notables who were convened in Ha- 
vana, and notified further by, all the principal people 
of this Garrison who demonstrated how necessary it 
was to have a Lieutenant in said Province to guard 
and advise, as there had entered a vessel of the 
enemy, and the natives had aided them and supplied 
them in exchange for furs, hatchets, knives and other 
goods, without its being known in this Garrison. For 
this reason I named to the position Captain Antonio 
Sartucha and two soldiers with the instructions which 
I send enclosed — so that justice might be administered 
to the Natives, it being too laborious and the distance 
too great for them to come to this Garrison to adjust 
their quarrels and differences and to guard the Port 



Old St. Augustine 103 

and advise me. In a few days after his arrival he 
notified me of another vessel of the enemy (pirates) 
who had entered the Port. He asked for aid for in- 
fantrymen, which I sent him, to the number of forty, 
in command of Captain Gregorio Bravo. Before this 
aid reached him, the enemy was able to procure what 
they wanted. By pushing into service the natives, he 
was however able to prevent them from landing. It 
being urgent that I should go in person to pacify and 
punish the natives of the Province of Timagua, tes- 
timony of which decrees were made. I remit them to 
your Majesty. I passed on to visit the other Provinces 
and investigate the condition of the harbors. I did 
this with the consent of all the Casiques, and the ap- 
proved judgment of Fray Francisco de San Antonio 
and other Friars, with the advice also of the Treas- 
urer of the Royal Hacienda, and many of the reformed 
natives. I left in command the Sergeant-Major Don 
Adrian de Canizares, being a person of experience and 
trustworthy, giving him twelve infantrymen with 
which to defend the Port and coast of these Ports, and 
that he should administer justice to the Natives for 
which purpose I elected a syndicate of Friars who 
work in said Province, and some of their friends. 
Having determined upon this at the time you ordered 
me to be vigilant and careful, since the English enemy 
had attempted to occupy one of the Ports of this Prov- 
ince, according to information given your Majesty by 
Don Diego Cardenas, ambassador to England, and had 
been sent to me by Field Marshal Don Juan Montiano, 
Governor who was of Havana — information he gained 
from some prisoners, which confirms the information 
you had. There has been a fleet of the enemy on 



104 The Unwritten History of 

these coasts of Florida and the Bahama Channel. Al- 
though I had intended to increase the force of soldiers, 
build a Fort and found a settlement of Spaniards as I 
reported was agreed upon in the visit, which testimony, 
and that of the taxes and good government I remit 
with the decrees. I have desisted from this on account 
of the many contradictions and opposition of some of 
the Friars, who with the pretext that the vicinity of 
the Spaniards would be dangerous to the conversion, 
and who do not consider that this danger has a rem- 
edy, and it would be much more dangerous that the 
enemy should occupy that Port and plant foot on your 
territory, and fortify themselves in a province so rich 
and abundant as those of Apalachicola, the knowledge 
of which the enemy is sure to be fully aware, and the 
danger would be irreparable and would lose in totem 
the conversions of these Provinces, and this Garrison 
would be unable to dislodge the enemy, from the dis- 
tance at which we are, and that we could not scatter 
our forces, being too few of them, besides the conse- 
quences and damage which would accrue from pirates 
on the coast of Havana and the Bahama Channel — 
and there is no way of reaching us under five or six 
days of sailing. Finally your Lordship, the greater 
part of these conversions are reduced to three Prov- 
inces where Friars officiate — they are the Provinces 
of Guale, Tunnuqua and Apalache. In the two first 
there are few Indians, because for some time they 
have been diminishing, many having died out from 
the plague and small-pox which has been raging. The 
same is the case in Apalache, and in a few years very 
few will be left, and even now the condition they are 
in, it is unnecessary to assign as many Friars as you 



Old St. Augustine 105 

have. Besides their conversion would long be de- 
layed owing to the great distance from this Garrison, 
the impassable roads and untold difficulties in send- 
ing relief, even should your Majesty send the where- 
with to do so. Food must be carried eighty leagues 
from this garrison to the Province of Apalache and 
Chacata, on the shoulders of men — the burden is often 
more than they can carry. Although I have been ad- 
monished to relieve the twelve soldiers and Lieutenant 
for the good of the natives and the benefit they re- 
ceive. I have sent persons there to remedy the evil, 
and seeing all I have herein stated that you may order 
things as you deem most advantageous and I shall 
carry out your orders regardless of the petitions of 
the Friars, who only base their objections in not 
wanting the Spaniards about them, as in their pres- 
ent condition they are absolute masters of the In- 
dians. 

May God preserve your Catholic Majesty. 

Diego Robelledo. 

St. Augustine, Fla., October 18th, 1657. 



A. D. 1657. 

Things are in a most disastrous condition in Flor- 
ida, there will soon be no government left, if God does 
not help us. The Casique of Tarihila refused to send 
some of his principal Indians to St. Augustine with 
heavy loads of corn. I don't know why the Governor 
insisted on this labor, but the Casique gathering to- 
gether the other Casiques insisted that their principal 
Indians should not be made to do this work that they 
had vassals to perform their labor. The Governor 



106 The Unwritten History of 

took the refusal much to heart, and as a man of so 
little experience insisted until he caused them to rise. 
They said they were not slaves ; that to obey God they 
had become Christians — they had never been con- 
quered, but had listened to the word of God the 
Priest had taught them. So the Casique of San Mar- 
tin at the head and all the Casiques who would follow 
him, which were the Casiques of Santa Fe, Potano and 
San Pedro, who marched from San Francisco and 
San Mateo with the others, making in all eleven Ca- 
siques, entered and hung the Governor. Think, your 
Fatherly Majesty, of such happenings. In a land where 
such war is carried on, I cannot tell you of the atro- 
cities perpetuated by these poor Florida Indians. Nor 
do you understand how the Island of Jamaica is set- 
tled by the English, who have it well fortified with 
three strong Forts, and all the harbors are guarded. 
All prisoners from there tell us, and all who come 
from there tell us that now, in this month of May 
forty store ships arrived for them, and it is their in- 
tention to take Cuba. This has been known here and 
in Havana by mail, which has come. It is very im- 
portant to notify you of all this, for soon it will be 
impossible to travel from here to Spain nor from 
there here. By giving this information I feel that I 
fulfill my duty, and you can act towards your vassals 
in a fatherly manner. Fray Juan Gomez. 

St. Augustine. Fla., April 4th, 1657. 



Old St. Augustine 107 



CHAPTER IX. 

A. D. 1662-1670. 
Report of Alonzo Aranqui y Cortez concerning the 
auditing of the accounts and condition of the Royal 
Treasury — Reports the finding of a large hill sup- 
posed to be a silver mine — Report of Jaun Ceba- 
dilla to his Majesty — The Governor not to keep the 
keys of the Royal chest — The administration to be 
adopted with the negroes — Too much harshness 
shozi/n the Royal ernployees — Francisco Guerray 
Vega reports a Captain of the Garrison for in- 
decency and offense to his superiors, for which 
same he was reprimanded and imprisoned a^ a 
warning, then given his liberty — The King to the 
Captain-General of the Provinces of Florida — In- 
structions as to the continuance of the passage to 
Marcana Gtiale — Founding the town of Santiago 
near Augustine — The performing of certain duties 
by soldiers for which money shall be paid — 
Soldiers shall be permitted to raise crops which are 
their principal sustenance — That the Governor 
shall not employ the people of the town in personal 
work for personal aggrandisement — B^lt shall look 
that he, the Governor, shall look to the needs and 
wants of the people — By order of the King, 1670. 

To His Catholic Royal Majesty : 

Having presented before the tribunal on behalf of 
the Royal officers of Guadalapara the sworn bills, and 



108 The Unwritten History of 

others not sworn to, by which were adjusted and 
proven the accounts of your administration which had 
been running from the 7th of March, 1663, up to 
August 15th of the same year, it was found to result 
in a Hquidated balance in favor of your Royal Treas- 
ury. Information of which was immediately sent to 
Don Geronimo de la Luna, judge for your Majesty, 
that he should have it delivered to the Treasury. He 
provided an Auto ordering Don Diego Salazar, Treas- 
urer, to place it in the Treasury. This person replied 
to him stating that he had no money whatsoever from 
Jacon or Virginia. The infantry I sent out to investi- 
gate tell me that in the Province of Apalache there is 
a very large hill, which, in their opinion, is a silver 
mine, from the specimens found in the ground and 
from pieces they picked up on the hill and brought 
as samples. Persons who are versed in such matters 
say that from their accounts they must be mines. 

As these matters do not admit of delay, and much 
care and caution is required, I am myself going to in- 
vestigate the matter thoroughly, and give you a long 
and detailed account, being absolutely necessary for 
the tranquility of this Province. May God preserve 
your Majesty for many years. 

AivONZO Aranqui y Cortez. 

St. Augustine, Fla., September 8th, 1662. 



To His Catholic Royal Majesty : A. D. 1666. 

On the 27th of November of this year we received 
a document from Your Royal Highness with six or- 
ders containing the form and manner in which the 



Old St. Augustine 109 

Royal Treasury must be conducted in its administra- 
tion and other things which were herein referred to, 
and what has passed in the accompHshment of them. 
The order in which your Majesty states that the Gov- 
ernor is not to keep the keys to the Royal Chest, but 
that your officer alone must keep them, and that an 
account must be kept and sent to this Treasury each 
year. We notified him and he obeyed, but as to its 
accomplishment he desired us to say nothing to him 
about it, as things were different here from other 
places — because all allowances and pay are collected 
by his order, and thus he wishes the keys to the chest 
where the money is kept. As to the accounts, he will 
provide them as should be just, which is the same 
answer he gave before as shown in the accompanying 
letter. The order for the administration that must be 
adopted with the negroes was obeyed by the Governor, 
and all are placed in compliance with it. We also 
notified him of the order your Majesty sent, reproving 
him for speaking so harshly to your Majesty's Royal 
Employees. 

As the order sent by your Majesty regarding the 
labor of the estates, all necessary steps have been 
taken. The one received stating that hereafter one of 
your employees should be present at the paying of 
the workmen, and the providing of supplies and am- 
munition for these forts, was obeyed, and although 
the Governor also obeyed in the fulfilment of it, he 
did not do so to the letter and there has been trouble 
between us ever since. Juan CuBADiLiyA. 



110 The Unwritten History of 

Your Highness : 

Don Francisco Larra whom your Majesty has had 
the mercy to send as Captain of a Company of soldiers 
to this Garrison of St. Augustine, Fla., is a person of 
such daring, restless and bold and has a mind — who 
is led astray by the impulses of his will — that with his 
manner of acting and talking he has given offense to 
the better and greater part of the people of this Garri- 
son, not excepting the Ecclesiastics whom he offends 
and speaks in such abusive and indecent a manner of 
their character. And so on this account as well as the 
little respect with which he treats me, not paying the 
slightest attention to my office extrajudicially. I have 
admonished him in the kindest terms to correct his 
ways and fulfill his duties as Captain of the Infantry — 
not alone was this effort a vain one, but he took a bold 
and daring step with me, in the presence of the Min- 
isters and principal people of the Garrison — for this 
incivility and profanation I had him imprisoned in 
the Fort, expressing to him my wrath and indignation, 
a copy of which I send you. With this as a warning, 
I then had him set at liberty. I beg your Highness 
that seeing this, you will proceed as you think best for 
the peace of this Garrison. May God give you the 
prosperity of a Christian. 

Francisco Guerra y Vrga. 

St. Augustine, Fla., September 2d, 1666. 



The King. 
To My Captain-General of the Provinces of Florida : 

The principal people of the town of Santiago de 
Tolomato have written me a letter on the 21st of 



Old St. Augustine 111 

March, 1658, that Don Luis Reyes y Borhas, being 
Governor of those Provinces, laid the foundation of 
the town of Santiago, which is three leagues distant 
from the Garrison of St. Augustine with the intention 
of continuing a passage to Morcana Guale and sur- 
rounding Provinces and although at the founding 
there were many, only about thirty remained includ- 
ing Casiques and persons of standing, to continue the 
work. They beg that you will send more people, since 
they are quick and disposed to work, so that they may 
complete the passage as far as San Juan, a distance of 
twelve leagues, as much for the relief of the soldiers 
as other things that may occur. That they should not 
be called upon to perform other duties, as they have 
been by the Governors who has not recompensed them 
for their services. Calling upon them to unload ves- 
sels arriving at the Garrison, cut timber from the for- 
ests and other services not in their line of duty, taking 
them from their labor when planting corn, which is 
the principal sustenance for themselves and families, 
causing them to lose their crops and suffer hunger. 
Having seen in my Council of the Indias what I said 
to my Judge, it has seemed right that I should order 
and command you, as I have done, that hereafter you 
do not employ the people of said town in your own 
personal work and that you proceed to preserve them 
and relieve their wants by every possible means in 
your power and you will serve me best. 

I The King. 

Madrid, February 26th, 1670. 

By order of the King our Lord. 

Juan Tubiza, 
Chairman of the Council. 



112 The Unwritten History of 



CHAPTER X. 

A. D. 1671-1673. 
'Tis the judgment of the Court that Pedro Menendez 
received the title of Governor of Florida hy right 
of conquest, Captain-General and Commander of 
the Fleet by appointment of the King, Don Felipe, 
the Second, as well as other positions of trust be- 
cause of his valor and faithful service and that 
these titles shall be given to his legitimate heirs 
and for which same the Don Gabriel Menendez 
Tarres y Aviles doth petition and it is the judgment 
of this Court that said titles shall be so conferred — 
Important papers burned in Simancas — Manuel De 
Mendoza gives information commanded by his 
Majesty as to the designs of the English enemy — 
The discovery of the South Sea by the four vessels 
sailing through the Straights of Magellan — Con- 
dition of this Garrison and fortiiication and other 
Provinces implores assistance for completing the 
work already begun — Report of Francisco De La 
Guerra y Vega to the King concerning an English- 
man taken prisoner while he was Governor — The 
prisoner was one of a crew who landed in the 
Province of Guale — The Indians killed seven men, 
imprisoned three and two women — They proved to 
be part of company coming over to settle in St. 
Elena — This man, who was second in authority in 
the settlement, I detained cts a prisoner, putting 
him on soldier's rations — He was turned over to 



Old St. Augustine 113 

my successor upon the expiration of my term of 
office — An effort was made to break up this settle- 
ment upon your Majesty's soil, without success, 
however. (16?3.) 

Judgment of the Court. 

The Governor, Don Gabriel Menendez Torres y 
Aviles, sets forth in the preceding petition that His 
Highness the King Don FeHpe H (whom God grant 
may come to glory) agrees with the Governor Pedro 
Menendez y Aviles, Knight of the Order of Santiago, 
that his uncle, brother of his grandfather, had agreed 
about the year 1565, that he, the said Pedro Menendez, 
had to discover all the provinces of Florida, settle and 
build in them two or three towns, all at his own ex- 
pense, for which service your Grace granted him the 
title of Governor of said Province and lands of Flor- 
ida, with all the privileges and prerogatives that are 
granted the other Governors of Castile — and that hav- 
ing set sail to accomplish this, and make these settle- 
ments with a private galleon of his own, of 900 tons, 
and many other ships and vessels which he also car- 
ried at his own expense and having conquered, as he 
effectively did. the said Province, and having settled 
and established two towns in it, which are today flour- 
ishing and supplying this crown, even before comple- 
tion of this conquest. Your Majesty has named him 
Captain-General of the Royal Fleet which is to be 
commanded and joined in Santander against the 
English, commanding him to assist in this military ex- 
ploit, notwithstanding that he is under obligations, in 
the first place, by the treaty and agreement he had 
made of discovering all the land of the Province of 



114 The Unwritten History of 

Florida within the given term of three years counting 
from the day he embarked and set sail in the Bay of 
the Port of Cadiz with the fleet he carried for said 
conquest. Being of the greatest importance the busi- 
ness for which the Royal Fleet was formed and ar- 
ranged, and while he was preparing and getting it 
ready, the said Governor Menendez de Aviles died — 
and by his death the Duke of Medina Sidonia was im- 
mediately named Captain-General. Afterwards hav- 
ing been asked on the part of the legitimate heirs of 
the said Governor Pedro Menendez de Aviles, the 
accomplishment of all these services which your grant 
had offered him, it was contradicted by the Attorney- 
General of this Court — taking advantage of one of said 
agreements which reads : "That if in the expressed 
term of three years the Goverrjor Pedro Menendez de 
Aviles should not have finished and completed in all 
the said conquest according to agreement, neither 
your Majesty nor any other Kings, your successors, 
should be bound to fulfil any of the rewards offered." 
For this reason the heirs brought suit against the 
Attorney-General which was continued. For sen- 
tence, by revision of the Court it was ordered to be 
given to Don Martin Menendez, oldest brother of the 
petitioner, the title of perpetual Governor of said 
Provinces, as had been done with his uncle, and besides 
they were to give him forty thousand ducats of silver. 
Withholding the charge of the Indias to augment 
from the right of succession which his uncle left estab- 
lished, and a fishery in said Province which the said 
Don Martin should select without any remuneration 
for the many expenses he incurred in the conquest, 
Don Martin Menendez having died without issue, or 



Old St. Augustine 115 

heir to his estate, the petitioner asked they expedite 
the title of Governor upon him, as it was expedient. 
Although endeavors have been made in the archives 
of Simancas to find these papers, they have not been 
found, and it is said they were burned in the fire which 
occurred in these archives. Imploring your Majesty's 
order that the pre-eminence and prerogative be re- 
served and observed as with the title of all the other 
courts and marquises of Castile, and also in consider- 
ation of the services rendered by the Governor his 
uncle, and other Generals of the Indias who were mem- 
bers of his house. Having seen in the Council of the 
Indias the petition and letters patent of nobility, and 
considering the great services done by Pedro Menen- 
dez de Aviles in the conquest of Florida as well as in 
other positions of trust where he has acted with so 
much valor as to deserve that his King Felipe the Sec- 
ond should have voluntarily given him the title of 
Governor, and that his successors continue to occupy 
positions as Generals — his house having spread such 
glory and honor as to be noted, it has seemed well 
that your Majesty should grant the petitioner the 
title of Castile, that he may enjoy the honors he so 
well deserves as a reward for his many and remarka- 
ble services. Your Grace will command that which is 
most deserved. 

Madrid, November 38th, 1671. 



Sire : 

By Cedula of January 20th of this year, your Ma- 
jesty commands me to give information regarding the 
designs of the English enemy. Also of the discovery 



116 The Unwritten History of 

of the South Sea by the four vessels which sailed 
through the Strait of Magellan, from which I had 
news that they arrived at Baldivia dismantled. A 
German Captain was in command. He showed great 
zeal in serving you. He gave a long account of the 
Viceroy of Peru, and what he intended doing. The 
Government Places under my charge are the Garrison 
of St. Augustine, Harbour and Port of Apalache and 
the river St. Catherine, a frontier of St. Elena, where 
the English enemy are at present; a few other less 
important harbours, all of which I desire to have 
guarded as by your orders I am obligated. 

As regards this Garrison, head of this Province, and 
the state of the Fortification which is being built and 
the designs of the English enemy and the overtures 
made by them. This being a frontier of the Province 
of Guale where I have stationed some infantry to 
watch the movements and intuitions of the enemy, 
and where they could detain them, while I sent aid 
and as strong a reinforcement as possible. It seems 
the proper thing for us to have sufficient troops there 
to impede the approach of the enemy on this Garrison 
and place sentinels all along to notify should they ap- 
proach by land or sea. As to the Province of Apa- 
lache which falls almost in the bosom of Mexico, I 
am sure it is a place of no less importance than this 
Garrison, rather I should say more so, being thickly 
settled and reached by land from all the Provinces 
far as New Mexico, and all others still to be discov- 
ered far as the Strait of David, of which the German 
Captain discourses at such length in his statement. 
Besides, it is a fertile land, and much longed for by 
the enemy as it is noted for its agriculture, for which 



Old St. Augustine 117 

cause it should be well settled and fortified, its Har- 
bour should have a good fort and at least one hundred 
infantry who could at any rate give the English enemy 
some trouble to occupy it or set foot in said Province. 
This should be done to prevent any damage, not alone 
in the Province, but to vessels plying the Mexican 
path. I implore you to look into the matter with the 
care and attention the case requires. So far as I am 
concerned, I have made every effort in my power to 
secure and protect it. I shall try to push this building 
through rapidly, that I may go and reconnoitre that 
Province, carrying with me the military engineer, 
Ygnacio Daza, who resides in this Garrison, that he 
may point out what is needed at present. I implore 
your Majesty most earnestly to look with pious pity 
upon your Royal Provinces and send all the assistance 
you can to complete this building and the other works 
of which this Garrison stands in such need, lacking all 
the means of protection by which we can serve your 
gracious Majesty. 

May God spare you for many years. 

ManueIv de Mendoza. 

St. Augustine, Fla., Dec. 15th, 1672. 



Your Majesty: 1673. 

In a letter of Yours of the present month and year, 
you tell me that seeing in the Council a letter which 
was received, written in English, it was agreed that I 
should inform you of what had happened to an En- 
glishman, said to be prisoner in St. Augustine, Fla., 
where I was Governor. The cause and pretext for 



118 The Unwritten History of 

making him a prisoner. Complying with what your 
Majesty asks, I inform you in the following manner: 

About the end of May of last year there arrived in 
one of the ports of the Province of Guale, which be- 
longs to the Christian Indians, an EngHsh vessel. 
Some of the crew having landed in a launch, the In- 
dians of that Province killed seven men, imprisoned 
three men and two women, then the vessel with all 
speed turned and went off, not giving time that from 
St. Augustine, where I was Governor, we should send 
help to those Ports to aid in imprisoning themi. Bring- 
ing me these prisoners I ordered that their declaration 
be taken, at which I was present. They declared that 
they had come over with vessels to settle in the Port of 
St. Elena, distant from the Garrison of St. Augustine 
forty or fifty leagues north. In the month of June of 
last year there came to the Garrison a soldier with the 
news that the vessels had returned and entered the 
same Port, reinforced and with the flag of truce, the 
captain and four other men had landed and that speak- 
ing to a Lieutenant in command of the infantry on 
guard, they told him how they were establishing a 
settlement near St. Elena, with two hundred men, and 
that they came in search of the prisoner, delivering at 
the same time to the Lieutenant two letters from the 
Governor of that settlement, written in Latin, in v/hich 
he asks that the prisoner be delivered, if not. they de- 
clared themselves enemies. 

With this news I called a general meeting of the 
Royal Officers and Commanders of the war, from which 
resulted that all agreed it was the better way to serve 
God and your Majesty, and secure the quietude of 
those Provinces, to break up said settlement, and that 



Old St. Augustine 119 

we should go to work before they fortified themselves 
and take possession of more land. For this purpose 
they prepared themselves and equipped three vessels 
at that time in Port. The Chief in command being ap- 
pointed by the Board, assigning him a number of war- 
riors to obtain the object for which they went. A 
storm overtook the vessels and they could not get 
there in time and so arrived without accomplishing 
anything. Of the referred to notice, on two or three 
occasions, it was presented to your Majesty and to the 
Marquez of Macera, Viceroy of New Spain, always 
stating what was best to the service of God and your 
Majesty. To make every effort to dislodge the said 
settlement, it belonging to the Christian Indians, and 
they being new to our doctrine, might be easily influ- 
enced by the heresies of the English. And although 
not new to our Holy Faith, we might have the same 
doubts as they are a variable and roving people. It 
was advisable for your Majesty's service that we 
should dislodge them at that time, that they might not 
possess themselves of that Province and the interior 
land, and make themselves owners. It would not be 
well to have a settlement of a strange Nation on your 
Majesty's territory without your orders. From this 
information I awaited a reply to follow out the Or- 
ders from your Majesty and the Viceroy, and that to- 
gether you would aid me, and with some help, as that 
Post lacks people, I detained the prisoner, not ill- 
treating him, in the house of one of his countrymen, 
allowing him military rations, which is what the sol- 
diers in service have. As I was advised that the pris- 
oner was the second person in authority in that set- 
tlement, I placed him under better security, that he 



120 The Unwritten History of 

might not escape and inform them of the lack of forces 
in the Garrison, for without doubt knowing it the set- 
tlement would come and take possession at very little 
cost. Just at this time my term of Governor came to 
an end, without having determined upon a method to 
work in this affair, I turned all over to the Governor, 
my predecessor, that he might act as ordered in the 
reply to my information. This is all that I can tell 
you regarding the English prisoner. By this the 
Council will know that I always worked with Chris- 
tian zeal, trying to stop anything opposed to the in- 
crease of our Holy Catholic faith. God preserve you 
many years. 

Francisco de la Guerra y Vega. 
Madrid, July 12th, 1673. 



Old St. Augustine 121 



CHAPTER XI. 

A. D. 1675. 
Letters to the King from the Governor, Pablo Ita 
Scdazer — The oath administered in the tower of 
the old Port, which is tumbling down — The Garri- 
son in want of supplies and ammunition — No ware- 
houses — Exposed to the fatalities of the weather — 
The Port in danger from pirates — Necessa/ry to 
use Spanish daggers for the land side protection — 
More money badly needed to -finish the works — 
Importance of the Castle to the Garrison — A pen- 
tagonal form recommended — A hundred men 
needed to guard the Castle — The Viceroy of Spain 
did not send the ten thousand dollars — Port in 
danger from pirates — Two hundred leagues from 
Havana and five hundred from New Spain, 

Sire: A. D. 1675. 

I have repeatedly given you an account of the man- 
ner in which I assumed control of this Government, 
taking the oath of fidelity in the tower of the Old Castle, 
which is almost in ruins, the artillery dismounted and 
scatjtered as if on a beaten field of battle. The blind 
obedience my duty demands in any employment of 
your Majesty, forces me to again repeat the condition 
of things. The old wooden Fort is in ruins, the stone 
one incomplete and with no defense whatever. No 
income or means to finish it. In the commissary de- 
partment only one hundred "arrobas" of corn, and no 



122 The Unwritten History of 

other produce of any description. The Garrison is in 
the greatest want, as no vessels with suppHes have 
yet arrived from New Spain. Seeing that we could 
not hold out three weeks longer, I seized two small 
vessels carrying about two thousand arrobas of com. 
As the Fort was in such a demolished condition, with 
no defense and exposed to losing what was done, I 
detained these vessels, intending to give them some 
amount of embargo, conceding to each his share, but 
having communicated it to the Royal Officers, they 
thought it too severe treatment and that I should pay 
freight and the conquered's pay ; that it would be better 
to pursue such a course. I let the matter stand for 
the present, retained the crew and the vessels I sent 
to bring peons to continue the building of the Castle, 
which is so absolutely important. This was done with 
the greatest care and promptness, as demonstrated on 
the maps I submit to you. Being entirely without 
means for carrying on this work, I implore you will 
send it. The Fort has neither walls nor moat, some of 
the ramparts only half finished, no means of closing 
it to make it secure. It would seem that they have 
been careless in the guarding of the Fort, sending only 
twenty-five men each day to do duty when it should 
have at least one hundred men constantly on the watch. 
I repaired things as well as I could for the lodging of 
the men and guards that they might stay in, as is 
done in Flanders and Milan and other places, but the 
Officers refuse to occupy them, stating they are in no 
condition nor have they sufficient conveniences for 
them to go in. As it will be profitable and advantage- 
ous to you, I implore you again not only to send the 
money but the order compelling them to enter at least 



Old St. Augustine 123 

oiiC hundred to guard the Castle. May God guide thee 
in what is right. Pablo Ita Salazar. 

St. Augustine, Fla., Aug. 23rd, 1675. 



Your Highness : 

Not to fail in my duty, knowing as I do from 
twenty-two years' service in your Majesty's States of 
Flanders and other ports, the importance of fulfilling. 
It has seemed necessary for me to give you a full and 
detailed account of the fortification being built in this 
Garrison by your Royal Order. I have already in- 
formed you of the condition I found it in, on assum- 
ing control of this Government of Florida. Consider- 
ing it one of your defenses and territory under whose 
banner it was conquered, I have taken the greatest 
pains to investigate matters thoroughly. At first I 
could not give as true a statement as I should have 
wished, seeing so many faults and errors ; but the 
untiring efforts I have made to ascertain facts have 
brought to light certificates of the enormous cost of 
this building. Being a place for the defense of the 
Bar, or entrance to the Harbor, I find that by making 
this fortification in a pentagonal form the bulwarks 
will point directly towards the Bar serving to defend 
from and towards an attack, and by building a battery 
it covers us in a measure from the enemy. Wishing 
to discuss this matter I called a meeting of the Royal 
Officers showing them the great saving of cost to the 
Royal Exchequer; but they seem opposed to the plan 
and, having no orders from your Highness, I am 
obliged to leave the work as it is. My greatest desire 
is to finish it and have the opportunity of defending 



124 



The Unwritten History of 




Old St. Augustine 125 

it with my life. As on other occasions in other places, 
I have exposed that life. God grant you a long life. 

Pabu) Ita y Sai^azar. 
St. Augustine, Fla., Nov. 23rd, 1675. 



Sire : 

Having done me the honor to appoint me Mayor 
of the new city of Vera Cruz and port of San Juan 
de Ulloa, you still further honored me by appointing 
me Governor of Florida. 

I immediately began an investigation of the state 
of the Old Castle and the new stone one being made 
by your order. In the first place I found it had the 
shape which will be clear to you in the report and 
letter of the same date as this. Secondly, they con- 
tinued with many difficulties the building of the new 
one. as the Viceroy of New Spain has not assisted 
with the ten thousand dollars a year to which this 
Garrison is entitled by provision of your Majesty, and 
as you have no money or other effects in your Royal 
Chests to supply the wants, I have made it known to 
the Archbishop and Viceroy of New Spain by report 
and petition, showing them how urgent it was to send 
us a certain sum for the continuance of the building. 
I also notified the Judge of the Royal Audience of 
Mexico, as is evident through all that I place before 
you also what I have forwarded to the general finance 
office, who refused to send any sum whatever until I 
had from this Garrison given a report of the state of 
the building of the Castle, and the distribution made 
of the salary assigned since I took possession of this 
Government. I found the Port in a most dilapidated 



126 The Unwritten History of 

condition with no defense. I took the oath of fidelity 
as you ordered, and not to be wanting in my duty as 
a faithful vassal, as by being this, I have merited the 
great honors you have bestowed upon me in the field. 
Having taken the oath I received different Royal 
Cedules, among them one in which you command the 
Viceroy to send ten thousand dollars more for the 
building, and that the citizens and soldiers aid as far 
as they are able, as is done in other places, as the 
benefits redound to their good and security. I must 
tell you that they do, coming in person to assist in the 
building, with the accustomed punctuality which is all 
they can do, because this Garrison is composed of a 
few married soldiers who are extremely poor, their 
income not exceeding the salaries earned each year. 
This being a land of no commerce nor communication 
by entrances or departures of vessels, there being no 
produce or other necessaries with which to accummu- 
late an income. And although you pay their salaries 
they never receive it in full, as they must first assist 
in the buying of accoutrements for the three vessels 
that bring the supplies. From their salaries they have 
also paid for the repairs of the Old Castle and the 
furtherance of the new building, warehouses, Royal 
Houses and all other necessary things which present 
themselves in a post, as you have not assigned to 
this Garrison any means for similar expenses, nor is 
there anything in the Royal Chests. There are no 
rents of any kind to supply them and it is in charge 
only of Royal Officers. The poor allowance divided 
among the infantry and the state of the Castle will be 
evident to you from the reports sent you, and I assure 
you that having served you for a period of forty-two 



Old St. Augustine 127 

years in the armies of Germany, Flanders and Bada- 
jos, in none of them have I been so well pleased as in 
this one, for the many difficulties and dangers. The 
lack of means for completing the fortification, the in- 
vasions and the lack of forces in which I find myself, 
as you will see by the lists I forward you of the sub- 
jects who are disabled and old and enjoy the privi- 
leges of false muster through your kindness. The 
soldiers and sailors, who at present run on these ves- 
sels and are absent most of the time, and those who 
are on guard as sentinels. So, when the boats are 
obliged to go out for supplies I am left with about 
eighty men who can serve. Besides this, we have no 
ammunition nor supplies, so much so that when I 
arrived the want was so great that families were 
obliged to go in the woods and hunt for roots to 
keep themselves from starvation. So exposed and in 
need were they that had a vessel landed and oflFered 
them food they would have miserably surrendered. 
And we are always thus exposed to this fatality, be- 
cause we have no warehouses of food supplies as in 
every other port such as San Juan de Ulloa, Acapulco 
and Morro of Havana, in these parts. My experience 
in Flanders, Castillo de Amberes, Gante y Cambria, 
they have supply stores of vegetables, biscuit, cheese 
and hung beef, enough to last at least one year. I 
have sent them supplies for a long time, for in cases of 
accident, and here on account of the distance and 
slowness of communication there should be more care. 
Havana, the nearest point, is two hundred leagues, and 
New Spain is five hundred, so you see the vessels 
have to sail a long way exposed to the fatalities of 
storm, weather and pirates, which can at any time 



128 The Unwritten History of 

overtake them. I have thought proper to place all 
these statements before you, as being so important to 
your Royal Service you may consider them. And I 
beg you will aid in this building of the Fort, by send- 
ing the required means for its continuance. It would 
be a very great affliction for these Provinces to leave 
it in its present state. While I have seen many cas- 
tles of importance and great renown, none surpass 
this one, nor have been built at so small a cost in the 
Indies, as will be demonstrated to you in the accom- 
panying certificates given by the Royal Officer. It 
seems that the peons earn only one real a day and 
three pounds of corn, making the twenty-five pounds 
come to eight reals, which is the correct price. Their 
living in other places would be at least four reals. Two 
of the Captains who assist in the building and hewing 
of stone, earn only six reals a day, where in other 
places they would make at least three and four dol- 
lars per day. All the material and other things needed 
are in other places placed convenient for the work- 
men, so that had it been built elsewhere than in this 
Garrison it would have cost more than eighty thousand 
dollars. I find it very damaging for this Garrison to 
be without any fortification. We are obliged to tear 
down the old Castle just next to it, and the new one is 
not yet closed in, so that we fear the enemy who with 
a much larger force could easily capture us. They are 
only distant fifty leagues, two days' sailing, and once 
that they were owners of this Port, they would be of 
the entire Province destroying all the conversions of 
the Indians who to the service of God are supported 
and protected by the King and a great trouble to your 
vassals who sail back and forth in the commerce with 



Old St. Augustine 129 

this America. Being owners, they would have all the 
jx)rts, and with their pirates stationed everywhere 
that vessels should pass. I feel the Port a little more 
secure than when I came, for one of the bastions is 
about completed, and by closing the other side look- 
ing landward with a palisade of Spanish daggers and 
tuna, I can retire if it should become necessary. In 
the meantime your Majesty will kindly apply the 
means sufficient to finish the work as speedily as pos- 
sible, as the petition states the danger and risk this 
Garrison is in. May God spare you many years of the 
work of Christianity. 

Pabw) Ita y Salazar. 
St. Augustine, Fla., June 15th, 1675. 



130 The Unwritten History of 



CHAPTER XII. 

A. D. 1675. 
An effort to be made to dislodge the English from 
Santa Elena — Orders to complete the Castle — Appa- 
lache considered the best Province for settlement — 
Families from Yucatan for settlers, also the Carra-' 
bies — Supplies sent from New Spain — Barracks to 
be made in the Fort for the soldiers — Money sent 
to finish the new Castle, also supplies for the sol- 
diers — The neighbors to assist in building the new 
Castle — Repairs on the bulwarks at Guale — In- 
creasc of troops ordered for St. Augustine — A 
Fortress ordered built at Appalachc for the defense 
of that Province. 

By dispatch of the same month and year notice was 
given Governor Pablo Ita Salazar of the commands 
issued to his predecessor and to the Viceroy of New 
Spain regarding the dislodging of the English from 
the Port of St. Elena, of which they had taken pos- 
session with the intention of settling near the mouth, 
which in effect they did, ocupying a passage called St. 
George. For this reason notice was sent the Sergeant- 
Ma j or Nicolas Ponce de Leon to proceed to dislodge 
the English from this settlement, gathering all the 
forces of that Province and asking aid of the Viceroy 
of New Spain who was ordered to reinforce him with 
what he needed. He did not think there would be 
any considerable difficulty in accomplishing this, as 



Old St. Augustine 131 

from four English fugitives he had learned all they 
had done. 

By another dispatch the Governor of Florida was 
told that the Viceroy of New Spain had notified them 
of having aided that Garrison with all the supplies 
needed. As to the hundred families he asked for, that 
should go as laborers for the increase and culture of 
crops, they would look into the matter and attend to 
his representation of it when the case came up, and he 
was specially charged to be very careful and watchful 
in completing the Castle and defense of that Garrison. 

By Cedula of 1673 the Governor of Yucatan was 
asked to send to Florida twenty-four families of In- 
dians — master weavers — for the increase of those 
Provinces for which purpose he would place himself 
in correspondence with the Governor of the Islands, 
that both might work out the best means of accom- 
plishing it. 

The Governor of Florida replied that the best and 
most desirable Provinces for the Spanish nation to 
settle would be Appalache and others very near it. It 
was exceedingly fertile, and if the settlers were labor- 
ers the crops would be very abundant. They gather 
wheat as abundantly as corn which is the general sus- 
tenance. It would be easy to grow the fruits, the land 
being level and easy to reach on account of the many 
navigable rivers — to cultivate the lands in cotton, 
grain and indigo, which grows wild in those Provinces 
and the crops lost for the want of some one to culti- 
vate them — and it would pay beautifully. This could 
be increased by putting the twenty-four Yucatan fam- 
ilies in for a limited time. Having seen all this in 
the Council, they again commanded the Governor of 



133 \ The Unwritten History of 

Yucatan to place himself in communication with the 
Governor of Florida and try to send these families, 
since such great gain would result from it, to those 
who go as native Indians of Florida to whose Gover- 
nor he ordered, if this was carried into effect to sup- 
ply them with the necessaries as per order of Cedula 
of 1673. 

By dispatch of this same year the Governor of the 
Canaries was ordered and informed of the statement 
made by the Government of Florida regarding the 
hundred families going over to settle, telling him the 
means which could be used, and that it be carried and 
quickly and effectively that they might have the chance 
of obtaining the settlements of these Provinces. The 
Council of War having seen what Governor Pablo 
Ita Salazar had to say of the lack of food from which 
the Province was suffering, and the lack of means for 
obtaining it, commanded the Viceroy of New Spain 
to send that Garrison the necessary supplies for six 
months in advance, both ammunition and food, on 
account of the condition of the Garrison, so that it 
could be prepared for any emergency which might 
arise, and not be without defense, and to give an ac- 
count of its execution. It was also commanded the 
Viceroy to send the necessary money to Florida that 
they might make Barracks and lodgings in the Fort for 
the soldiers who entered as guards, that they might be 
comfortable under cover and suffer less hardships. He 
was advised that all should be done with as little 
expense as possible, and to communicate with the Gov- 
ernor to whom the same order had been given. He 
said Don Pablo Ita Salazar made a report of the state 
in which he found the building of the new Castle in 



Old St, Augustine 133 

Florida, and the lack of means with which to continue 
it. The Council of War having seen this report noti- 
fied the Viceroy to send the supplies of three hundred 
troops, the quota of that Garrison, and three thousand 
dollars to be expended in the delayed fortification of 
said Castle; approved by the Governor, it should con- 
tinue the work of the Castle, and he was recommended 
to try and reduce the expenses to the absolute neces- 
sary. That the neighbors might help in the building, 
as they were interested, and it was for their own con- 
venience and defense that they could assist without 
loss of time, and with the supply of three hundred 
troops who would remain in the Castle. That the num- 
ber of soldiers there was so reduced it would not only 
pay the people well but there would be a surplus of 
capital to provide all that was needed. That this com- 
plement of infantry should be kept in the Garrison, 
and his Majesty had resolved to send a hundred more 
soldiers by the first opportunity. He again commanded 
the Viceroy to punctually supply the wants, so that 
no cause can stop the building of the Castle. 

In a letter of August 24th, 1675, the Governor, Don 
Pablo Ita Salazar, reported to have decided upon mak- 
ing a roof or covering for the bulwarks at Guale, to 
put the powder and other ammunitions used in the 
Garrison, and a Barracks and guard house, because 
what they had was of wood and exposed to incen- 
diaries. That the Royal Officers were so opposed he 
desisted in its execution to avoid unpleasant encoun- 
ters until it should be known in the Council, and to- 
gether with the reports of the Officers. He ordered the 
continuance of the Castle for better security and de- 
fense at the least cost to the Royal Treasury. 



134 The Unwritten History of 

Fortification of Appalache. 

Don Manuel Cendiga, being Governor of Florida, 
reported among other things the need of infantry in 
that Garrison — of what they had, much was in the 
Province of Appalache which belongs to that jurisdic- 
tion. For this reason his Majesty resolved to increase 
the troops of the Garrison of St. Augustine. He com- 
manded the forty-three missionaries and the Viceroy 
of New Spain to order the Royal Officers of Mexico 
to increase the supply of troops in Florida, so that 
the quota remain at three hundred and fifty, besides 
the missionary fathers who must punctually supply 
them each year and solicit their complement. 

Don Pablo Ita Salazar, Governor of Florida, gave 
a report of the numerous infidel Indian settlements 
there were in the Province of Appalache, and that in 
the Province of Guale the English had a settlement at 
St. George. That with the vexations, killing and 
thefts, with the vicinity of one and the other the 
Christian Indians receive, we find the only remedy to 
be in erecting a fortification in the Province of Appa- 
lache and place in it one hundred soldiers, and a body 
of one hundred families around them. Then we might 
promise to keep them in obedience and subjection to 
this throne. The Council having seen this, ordered 
that at present they should prepare to make a fortress 
in the Port of Appalache in the best and easiest man- 
ner for the defense of that Port, and report by the 
first opportunity the time and amount required for 
building it. By still another dispatch he ordered the 
Governor to send a perfectly clear report of what he 
had already done regarding the fortress of the Port, 
and of all the Province; the spot best adapted for it. 



Old St. Augustine 135 

the form and disposition, forces needed for the de- 
fense, and if there would be any difficulty in opening 
up the entrance of the Bay, where it was built; the 
depth of the water, if vessels could enter, and of what 
tonnage ; have a very careful and minute report from 
some one of experience and a master. Send a map 
and report attached of what this work will cost, giv- 
ing your opinion so that seeing it and the information 
asked on the matter the most advantageous resolutions 
may be taken for the security and defense of that 
Province. 



136 The Unwritten History of 



CHAPTER XIII. 

A. D. 1680-1685. 
Letter from Pablo Ita Salazer to his Majesty — Indians 
of the Province of Guale ally themselves with the 
English and together with over three hundred men 
make war against the Spaniards of the Island of 
St. Catherine — Surprising and killing the sentinels, 
only one of whom escaped to warn the Garrison — 
The people gather in the convent of a Friar and 
defend themselves from daylight until four o'clock, 
when aid from this Garrison reached them — The 
enemy retires — Natives of the Island greatly 
alarmed — Disquieting news of the intentions of the 
enemy upon this Garrison — Implores the aid of 
the King quickly that the English may he ejected 
from the land — Don Jaun Marques Cabrera, Gov- 
ernor and Captain-General of Florida, gives an 
account to his Majesty of hostilities in the Prov- 
inces — Two Fleets, French and English, going and 
coming from Havana — Seise Fort Matanzas and 
after plundering, burn it to the ground — Is being 
rebuilt — Great depredations committed up and 
down the coast by the enemy — Indians and half- 
breeds taken and sold into slavery — Pushing the 
work on the Castle — Grieved over its slow prog- 
ress, owing to lack of workmen — Begs to be al- 
lowed to retire because of age and long service — 
To Charles II, our principal Casique, the King — 
From the people of the territory of Habalache — 



Old St. Augustine 137 

The King to the Governor and Captain-General of 
Florida concerning ten negroes from St. George 
who asked for the waters of baptism — A Sergeant- 
Major from St. George comes to claim them — 
Because they have become Christians the Spanish 
King decides to buy them — After receiving a re- 
ceipt they are to be set at liberty, each one given 
a document to that effect — The King reprimands 
Don Diego Quirago for not immediately attending 
to these matters — Orders a full account to be sent 
as soon as it is accomplished. 

Sire: A. D. 1680. 

In a letter of April last year I stated to you the mis- 
givings I felt about the English who have populated 
the Province of Carolina and River St. George. In 
November of the following year I repeated this with 
some evidence, and such a plan or a map from the 
River St. George to Mobile. Afterwards I was noti- 
fied that five Englishmen had put to flight one of 
the Towns and penetrated as far as the Province of 
Guale, which belongs to the jurisdiction of this Garri- 
son, where they came to take declarations and give 
information concerning the coming of the English to 
those parts ; all of which I submit to your Majesty. 

My duty today is to give an account of what hap- 
pened in the Province of Guale this year. The Chuch- 
umacos, Bechizes and Chulucas who were at war 
among themselves, but had maintained friendly rela- 
tions and trading with this Province, became friendly 
with the English and have declared themselves our 
enemies. They made an invasion first on the Island of 
Guadalquiri in Guale, then on the main land they killed 



138 The Unwritten History of 

and scalped a number of the Natives until these latter 
rallied and, with one of our Lieutenants at the head, sal- 
lied forth and repulsed them. A few days later they 
made an entrance on the Island of St. Catherine, one 
of the frontiers, with a force of over three hundred 
men. They killed the Sentinels who were six in num- 
ber, one only escaping, who gave the alarm and the 
citizens were able to defend themselves. There were 
forty-five Spaniards from this Garrison and about a 
hundred Natives. They took refuge in the Convent of 
the Friar, who teaches the Gospel in that Province, 
Captain Francisco Suentes, whom I sent two years 
ago to take charge of that place, who defended himself 
and army with great valor and distinction from day- 
light until four o'clock in the afternoon against these 
Indians, who were armed with firearms. Instantly 
upon receiving information of the danger I sent aid 
to the number of thirty soldiers on foot and a vessel 
with eighteen marines. When they arrived the enemy 
had retired. I am assured that among them were sev- 
eral Englishmen who instructed them in the use of 
the firearms, which consisted of long guns. This 
caused great consternation and horror among the 
natives who at first evacuated the Island of St. Cath- 
erine, but am informed have since returned doubling 
their forces. I had sent eight men to them from this 
Garrison and I am resolved to send twenty — it being 
a place of the utmost importance to this Garrison, as 
a protection against invasions and also to obtain food 
and supplies. The entrance to the Bar of Zapola is 
easy and distant from it, as you can see on the map, 
only two leagues. Information has been brought me 
by a pilot, who left here and was taken prisoner by the 



Old St. Augustine 139 

French, that he overheard them say they would come 
to this Province, possess themselves of the Island and 
Bar of Zapala. This is damaging news, and my great- 
est trouble is lack of troops, for altogether I have only 
some two hundred and ninety. I have increased this 
with a few natives of seemingly good disposition, 
should a fight occur in this Fort, but so inexperienced 
that they could not support us. This Post is mainly 
composed of mariners, pilots, shipmasters and mates, 
twelve artillerymen, six widows and a few children to 
whom, through your mercy, you grant pay, and ten or 
twelve decrepit old men who by age are exempt from 
toil. I have twenty-four men in Apalache, distant 
eighty leagues, and two in Timuqua, two in the pass 
of Salamatoto, ten leagues distant from this Garrison. 
The sentinels of Matanzas and the Bar. All this causes 
me great distress as I should be obliged to repair to 
the field and I have no resources possible with so few 
people. Notwithstanding, I propose, with the help of 
God, to improve it, and thus will the conversions ad- 
vance and secure the road to Mexico. It is expedient 
to run the English out of that land, and there are not 
two hundred firearms in the armory nor among the 
soldiers and natives. If the thirty lancers and hundred 
infantry I sent for three years ago had come, things 
would be in a different shape. With a hundred fami- 
lies to protect, a good deal of aid is needed as speedily 
as possible and your Majesty will send them promptly 
as to the interest of your service. God protect you. 

Pablo Ita Salazar. 
St. Augustine, Fla., May 14th. 1680. 



140 The Unwritten History of 

Sire: A. D. 1682. 

Don Juan Marquez Cabrera, your Governor and 
Captain-General of the Provinces of Florida, gives you 
an account of how since last February of this year 
they have experienced many hostilities in these Prov- 
inces from two French and English fleets who, since 
they discovered and settled with ten vessels they 
brought on these coasts towards the south, have taken 
and settled all the entrances and Ports, having seized 
seven vessels that were coming and going to the City 
of Havana, entered and plundered the Fort of Matan- 
zas with no resistance from those within, and on an- 
other occasion in the same place, where there were 
forty-five Spaniards, captains, lieutenants and soldiers, 
there came four hundred Indians with firearms and ar- 
rows to one of the trenches at the edge of the two 
rivers at the foot of the Fort and this time they did not 
discharge a single shot, but set fire to the Fort and 
burned it, being of wood. I am- again rebuilding it 
in the shape of a bonnet or cap with its inclinations 
bias, which it did not have before, with twenty-five 
stone houses, so that twelve or sixteen soldiers can de- 
fend it. On retiring they entered the River of Point 
Martin in Laungara, eighteen leagues inland and forty 
from this Garrison; thirty-five Frenchmen entered 
and plundered the estate Lachua, imprisoning the 
owner and some of his slaves and other persons and 
their servants. They were assisted in this by three of 
the neighbor Casiques, with sixteen Indians. As they 
retired they were met by an ambush who liberated the 
owners of the estate with the loss of one Indian. Al- 
though there were five Spaniards, with the degree of 



Old St. Augustine 141 

Captain who enjoy the rank and pay, excused them- 
selves on the occasion because they feared if they had 
any one to encourage them the enemy would not have 
left one. As soon as I received the news, although I 
am very scarce of people for the defense of the Castle, 
I made every effort possible to send the Sergeant- 
Ma j or of this Post with forty soldiers as quickly as 
possible. Finding the enemy already embarked, I 
ordered him to obstruct the river, seeing the danger 
to this Province, not having had any orders from you 
to keep it open. Notwithstanding all the Sergeant- 
Major's efforts to place obstructions, I fear the enemy 
will invade this Garrison if only to see the Fort that is 
being built. It is to be in the shape I have shown you 
on the map, and plan I have given the Adjutant 
Alonzo Solano, superintendent of the work, a man of 
much intelligence and quite capable of carrying it on. 
At the time the French were destroying the estate 
Lachua the English landed at the bar of Mosquito 
Inlet; they killed ten Indians and captured eighteen. 
They had also captured the frigate that left this Post 
for New Spain; they captured it with a pirate vessel 
which had come from Jamaica, as testified to by the 
"Autos" I sent, in which I also stated the other hos- 
tilities and depredations as you can see in the Office 
of the Royal Council. It is a source of grief to me 
to see the manner in which they take these poor In- 
dians and sell them into slavery, as they have done 
with many, selling them on the Island of Barbado. 
They even take the mixed ones, children of Spaniards 
and Indians. Although I am quite advanced on the 
building and defense of the Castle, I feel disconsolate 
when I think of the scarcity of troops and the inferior 



142 The Unwritten History of 

quality of those I have who are cowardly and pusil- 
lanimous as I have before represented them to you. 
I repeat it, in hopes that you will send me at least two 
good Captains and a hundred first class men. Besides 
being dastardly those I have, many of them are too 
old to be of service, having been retired and pensioned 
off. I am heartily sick of those who have been pen- 
sioned off, and of the children who have been pushed 
into service with no other object than to receive the 
pay. While mindful of the humane interests, this at 
times is exceedingly trying to my patience. And so, 
since the Fort is assuming such shape, I implore you 
to give the order needed of sending more men. I 
also implore your Majesty that having served you so 
many years without complaint against me, that you 
will replace me in this Garrison and give me permis- 
sion to retire. 

God grant you a long and prosperous life. 

Juan Marquez Cabrera. 

St. Augustine. Fla., July 16th, 1682. 



Charles II, Our Principal Casioue, to the King. 
God, who with His power has created us from noth- 
ing, it being His will — we live, although with work and 
misfortune, it matters not how, so we live, with our 
limited understanding, every day without ceasing as we 
are commanded by our Creator, since He so wishes it, 
we praise and reverence Him. Leaving this apart we 
also, the nobility and all in general, old men and old 
women, children, orphans and disabled, as many as 
are found in this territory called Habalache, every day 
we say it seems to us, we do not reverence, embrace 



Old St. Augustine 143 

and receive in our hearts our principal Casique and 
King and his noble words. Saying this among our- 
selves it seems to make us more humble and disposed 
to receive your words when it reaches our ears. As 
at present, we could long since have written you, for 
the obedience we show you, and not waited for your 
many noble works, and to make known to you of what 
we are here seeing and suffering, being not only our- 
selves, but all in this world, who were created from 
nothing by the will of God. Our priests whose duty 
it is to care for our souls, cleanse them and absolve 
them, teaches us good things, and takes away and 
quenches in us ugly and evil things helping us on to 
be good Christians, as it is for this you have shown us 
such great mercy, and so we recognize it, and are be- 
lieving with one heart. Second: Although we are 
ignorant people, we think that our hearts and souls 
belong to our Creator — our bodies and their govern- 
ment, and to whom they belong to teach and punish 
is to our Head, whom thou art, and whom we recog- 
nize as our chief Casique and King, and as the grass 
grows and has roots, bathed by the dews of night, so 
we and all your miserable vassals are nourished by 
your noble words, and although bodily we do not see 
you with our eyes, we take it from the one who repre- 
sents you as your Governor and Captain-General — 
and to him we look as to you and as your words com- 
ing from him who we see, hear and understand, and 
guard, believing and obeying him — 



Sire: 

From information that I was able to gather by 
means of gifts to the native Indians, I succeeded in 



144 The Unwritten History of 

finding out the designs of the settlers of St. George 
and of the new settlement in St. Elena, where this 
Garrison was first — distant from here some sixty 
leagues. About 50 Indians, with orders from the Gov- 
ernor of St. Elena, were to enter the Province of 
Tamaqua, do all the damage and hostilities they 
could, taking prisoners and killing the natives. I im- 
mediately sent a dispatch by carrier to the Lieutenant 
of that Province to be on guard and care for the 
towns. It seems that some six hours before he re- 
ceived my notice, they had entered and destroyed the 
town of Afinca, a place of about sixty natives. About 
fifty men entered with sixteen guns and the balance 
with bows and arrows and machetes, everything ex- 
actly as I had been informed. They belong to the 
Yamares nation who have retired from this dominion 
and gone over to the English. They killed and carried 
off the prisoners as certified by a letter from the Lieu- 
tenant. I have restored as far as possible the Garrison 
of Tamaqua for the peace of its natives. If I had had 
the force sufficient I would have sent the vessels that 
I have to the settlement of Santa Elena and done them 
some damage, but, as it is, I have not sufficient forces 
for anything. The two Captains experienced in that 
part of the country are old, one of 70 and the other 
60 years old. I am sorry to say, the enemy are settling 
in the interior, where they find the lands so rich and 
productive of all kinds of fruit. Should they come 
here they could easily capture us for the lack of men — 
we need men — more troops. I am informed that forty 
days ago, eleven vessels with seven hundred men, had 
been sent out from England. I am awaiting them with 
fear, for lack of men and ammunition we have. I also 



Old St. Augustine 145 

distrust my sentinels. I hope you will immediately 
send me reenforcements. 

God preserve you, etc. 

Juan Marquez Cabrera. 

St. Augustine, April 15th, 1685. 



The King. 

To my Governor and Captain-General of the City of St. 
Augustine in the Province of Florida, and Field Marshal 
Don Diego de Quiraga y Lasada, in whose charge that 
Government is now : 

The Royal officers of that City have given me an 
account in different letters of their having arrived at 
that Garrison ten remaining negroes, eight males and 
two females, from St. George. That they asked for 
the waters of baptism, it was given them, after which 
a Sergeant-Major from St. George came to claim 
them. Not appearing to be the proper thing to re- 
turn them after becoming Christians, it was agreed 
upon with the Sergeant-Ma j or to buy them with the 
money from my Royal exchequer for the sum of 
sixteen hundred dollars, granting a writing to that 
purpose, to pay said sum at a stated time specified. 
To satisfy this I sent to the new city of Vera Cruz 
for this sum of money which was brought and de- 
posited in my Royal coffers of that city, advising the 
Governor of St. Augustine and notifying the Gov- 
ernor of St. George to send for it. It seems they came 
for it at the time the Governor was distributing aid 
to the soldiers. He had notified me of the receipt of 
this money, but not receiving a reply, he supposed I 
was not satisfied with the transaction, imploring I 



146 The Unwritten History of 

should tell him what to do with the negroes. The 
men had been put to work on the Fort, and the women 
the Governor had retained as servants in his house- 
hold. He paid the cost of them, and he only awaited 
my orders. In view of all that he asks, through the 
judge of my Council of the Indias, it occurs to me 
to say to you that Don Diego Quiraga was wanting 
in his duty by not sending to pay the money deposited 
in the Royal coflFers for the purchase of said negroes 
and in the word he had given the English. He should 
have considered that in refusing to deliver them to the 
English, it was done to protect the religion ; this alone 
would have sufficed, being as I am such a Catholic. 
For any excess expended in their purchase, notwith- 
standing my failure in replying to him on this point, 
and so, it appears strange what this Governor has 
done. And so, that you perfectly understand what I 
order you, as I do order you, that of the first money 
which comes into my Royal coffers of that City you 
immediately pay up the whole amount, and give the 
Governor of St. George perfect satisfaction for the 
1,600 dollars agreed upon for the sale. The defray- 
ing of this to be done as quickly as possible. And as 
a reward for having come to these provinces to live 
under the laws of the Gospel and become Catholics, I 
order that immediately upon receipt of this, you give 
them all their liberty in my name, giving each one, 
males and females, a document to that effect, so that 
seeing their example others may do likewise. As 
soon as you have accomplished this you are to send 
me a full account, as this is my will. 

I, the King, sent by the King our Lord, 
Don Juan de la Vea, 

Chairman of the Council. 



Old St. Augustine 147 



CHAPTER XIV. 

A. D. 1689-1698. 
Letter of the Governor and Captain-General of Flor- 
ida, Don Diego Quiroba y Losada, to his Majesty 
— Giving an account of a custom obtaining in the 
Garrison which he deems dangerous to its safety — 
That is, the ringing of the church bells at mid- 
night, when the Host is taken out to administer 
communion to the dying until the same is returned, 
oftentimes lasting hours, which same drowns the 
fire of the sentinel across the river, who is to fire 
as many times as there are vessels sighted — This 
danger has been fully laid before the Priest, but 
to no purpose, notwithstanding the city has been 
in arms for some days awaiting the enemy — There 
is also testimony accompanying this letter of the 
same purport — His Majesty by a Cedule of July 
ISth, 1694, asks for a statement of the order pur- 
sued in the functions of the Edicts of Faith and 
Anathema and the places where they conduct the 
Holy Tribunal of the Inquisition — These questions 
answered by Severino Mausaneda, March 17th, 
1690 — In 1691 Governor and Captain-General of 
Florida, Don Diego Guiroga y Lorada, gives an 
account of a military review of St. Augustine — Of 
the great advantage and security to the city of 
building a sea wall extending from the Fort the 
entire length of the town, thus securing it against 
the sea which in storms comes up to the houses — 



148 The Unwritten History of 

The soldiers and citizens subscribe ten thousand 
dollars and his Highness is implored to designate 
a sum to help to build this wall that the people 
will be convinced of his Highness' interest — The 
King, A. D. 1698, to the Governor and Captain- 
General, Don Diego Guiroga y Losada, of the 
City of St. Augustine , in which he rebukes the 
said Governor for unjustly taxing the Indians, 
whom he wishes civilized, and not treated alone 
as vassals, but as his children, attending to their 
comfort and want, and imposes a tine if the 
money sent to be spent for canvas and provisions 
be not paid to these Indians as per agreement — 
Extracts from the investigations of the Council, 
in regard to alleged excesses committed by the 
Governor of Florida, Don Francisco Moral San- 
chez — Besides the scandalous reports certified to, 
is his ill treatment of a Captain of Grenadiers act- 
ing according to his own will instead of by mili- 
tary law — The Royal Officers protest — Certify to 
the truth of these investigations, and implore jus- 
tice from the King — A report according to his 
Excellency's desire concerning affairs under Gov- 
ernor Don Francisco Marales Sanchez — The in- 
vestigation shows that the facts set forth in the 
different papers and petitions sent to his Majesty 
to have been only too true — Impossible to put upon 
paper the strange, divers and extraordinary ex- 
cesses committed by this Governor. 

Sire: A. D. 1689. 

Today I must give you an account of a custom I 
have found here, which might redound to the injury 



Old St. Augustine 149 

of this Garrison. It is that at any hour of the night 
when the Host is taken out to administer communion 
to the dying the church bells are rung and continue 
to ring until its return to the church, with the same 
solemnity as is done in the day time. Now, this 
might cause very serious results, as when we 
have the sentinel who is on duty across the 
river, to fire as many times as there are vessels in 
view, then the bells are rung and the people gather 
together. This makes us very attentive in listening 
for the firing and the noise of the bells at all hours 
prevents us from hearing and would give the enemy an 
opportunity of entering and capturing the Town. I 
always keep the Fort well guarded and am prepared, 
but as we know from so many occurrences in the In- 
dias in the past few years, all the misfortunes of invas- 
ions have come from carelessness. I have solicited 
the Priest not to have this done and even refused to let 
him have the soldiers to follow in the procession, but 
he is very impertinent and says the church belongs to 
him and he shall do as it pleases him. Since the 28th 
of May we have been in arms awaiting the enemy, and 
I sent the Priest word not to ring by one of the sol- 
diers, then by the Sergeant-Major — in spite of my 
message he rang the bells from half-past ten at night 
until half-past two o'clock. To avoid danger from this, 
I have given orders that none of the soldiers attend. 
If he desists from ringing I will allow him all the sol- 
diers necessary. Things will work thus until your 
Majesty orders otherwise for the safety of this Garri- 
son. God grant you long life. Diego Quiroba. 
St. Augustine, Fla., August 16th, 1689. 



150 The Unwritten History of 

Testimony Which Accompanies This Letter. 
In the City of St. Augustine, Fla., May 28th, 1689. 

The Captain of Cuirassiers, Don Diego Quiroba y 
Losada, Governor and Captain-General of this city and 
Province, by order of your Majesty. 

Says : That this Garrison being in arms and awaiting 
signals since Sunday, the 22nd. The church has on 
several occasions rung the bells after midnight in tak- 
ing out the Holy Sacrament, continuing the ringing 
for two hours or more, without ceasing. This is con- 
trary to all customs in Spain and the Indias, where 
the sacrament is not carried in pomp after night, but 
only by the Priest, the sacristan and two other persons 
who carry the lights. In a close Garrison it is more 
strictly observed, and for that reason should be more 
strictly enforced in this Garrison, as such things are 
risky, especially as we are under arms, and injury 
might result, as it would give the enemy time and op- 
portunity to accomplish their intentions. We are try- 
ing to stand on the defensive and it might injure this 
very church itself. For this reason I sent word to the 
Priest, Don Alonzo de Legurion. Parish Priest and 
Vicar of this city, in all due form by St. Sebastian 
Lopez begging him to cease the ringing and setting 
forth the danger which could result. That he should 
not go out in pomp, but ask for all the soldiers he 
wanted and they would be sent. He would not listen, 
and threatened the Lieutenant with excommunication 
should he return. Another message I sent by the Ser- 
geant-Ma j or, Pedro Arauda y Avellanedas, to whom 
he made the same reply, stating that the Church was 
his and he would ring when he pleased — it had been 



Old St. Augustine 151 

given him by the Pontificate, and the Governor had 
nothing to do with it, and must not meddle. Such 
language and conduct disturbs the public peace. That 
all this may be certified to I have ordered testimony 
taken of the case and had the Sergeant-Major and Ad- 
jutant Sebastian Lopez examined, and so I sent it and 
sign Diego Guiroba y Losada. 

Appeared before me, Alonzo Solano, Notary Public 
of the government, in the City of St. Augustine, Fla., 
as witness. Sebastian Lopez. 

May 22nd, 1689. 
Captain Diego Quiroba y Losada, Governor and 
Captain-General of said city, ordered to appear before 
me, the Adjutant, Sebastian Lopez, who is the actual 
Sergeant-Major in the Garrison, who was in my pres- 
ence received and sworn in by the Notary Public, in 
the name of God and the Holy Cross, and having 
promised to tell nothing but the truth. Asked for the 
tenor of the Auto at the head of this Document, he 
said : That at about half-past two o'clock the bells of 
the church of this City were ringing. Having started 
out, his Lordship, the Governor, called him and or- 
dered him to take a message to the Priest, telling him 
that he knew well that the City was in arms, the 
enemy being on this coast, and they had received sig- 
nals that the vessels were in sight of the City, and to 
cease ringing the bells as the noise would prevent 
them from hearing the signal *'to arms." That coming 
to the church he told the Priest to stop ringing, that it 
made too much noise. The Priest's reply was to order 
him to leave the church under pain of excommunica- 



152 The Unwritten History of 

tion, the witness returned three times with the Gov- 
ernor's Message, but no attention was paid to his Lord- 
ship's Message, and the bells continued to ring. That 
this is the truth, under sworn oath he states and affirms 
and that he is twenty-two years old and he signs it. 

Sebastian Lopez Toledo. 

Before me, Alonzo Solano, Notary Public and of 
the Government. It agrees with the original of which 
mention has been made and which I send. Executed in 
St. Augustine, Fla., on July 15th, 1689. 

AivONZo Solano, 
Notary Public and of the Government. 



By Cedule of your Majesty dated in Madrid, July 
18th, 1674, you ask for a statement of the order pur- 
sued in the functions of the Edicts of Faith and Ana- 
thena and the places where they conduct the Holy 
Tribunal of the Inquisition. And also the cause of 
the controversies offered by the city whenever they 
are performed and what has been done this year. The 
city to avoid all scandal resolved to allow the Commis- 
sioner of the Inquisition to conduct things his own 
way — taking testimony of all the proceedings to re- 
port to your Majesty. These acts have no fixed time, 
but left to the arbitration of the Commissioner who has 
them when he pleases, every two, three, and even six 
years. After discussion it was decided not to have 
them executed this year, as it is not a regular custom, 
and we wished to report before giving more examples 
of dissensions. For twenty years the City has allowed 
itself to be fined for neglect of duty in assisting at 
the performances. As there is no Tribunal of Inqui- 



Old St. Augustine 153 

sition here the Commissioner succeeded in getting the 
City to go to his house for him, and he, precedes the 
City. In church, his place to be on the Gospel side, 
with the humility recognized in such places. The 
decisional this controversy seems to depend on Law 
20, Chapter 26, of the ninth recompilation of the In- 
dias. This last, the Holy Tribunal of the Inquisi- 
tion pretends is only understood by your Majesty, the 
Viceroys and Captain-Generals in whom are found a 
living representation. So that to represent the Holy 
Tribunal of the Inquisition the power is solely in- 
vested in your Commissioner — from this comes the act 
of tramping under foot your Government, whom the 
Commissioner tries to subdue in all, to his will, as well 
as the Notary Public and Ministers. That a stop may 
be put to his audaciousness it has seemed wise and 
prudent to make a report with testimonies attached to 
your Majesty, that you may act as you deem proper 
in the case. 

May God grant you long life. 

Severing Mausaneda. 

Havana, March 17th, 1690. 



Your Highness-. ^' ^- l^^^' 

Don Diego Quiroga y Lorada, Governor and Cap- 
tain-General of the Province of Florida, in a letter 
dated January 8th, 1690, gives you an account of the 
general review which he passed on the soldiers of 
infantry and militia of that Garrison. He proposed the 
the advantages and security occurring to the City by 
building a wall from the Fort, the whole length of the 
City along the sea, seeing the danger in which it 
now is of being ruined by floods from the sea 



154 The Unzvritten History of 

(which already comes up to the houses) when we have 
the sHghtest' storm. The soldiers seeing the necessity 
of it, immediately offered what they could, the citizens 
of the Province doing likewise, that the work might 
advance. I send a certificate showing that the amount 
of the offering they have made is ten thousand dollars, 
and that they will use every effort to build the wall, 
and they have commenced to get out the stone and 
other necessary things. I implore your Highness to 
designate a sum to help build this wall, which is so 
important and that these poor soldiers and citizens may 
feel encouraged to give more, seeing that your Majesty 
helps them in such needed work, since nothing less 
depends upon this wall than the preventing a flood of 
the place and separating the Castle, losing all that has 
been spent in the building of it. The Board is obliged 
to represent you. What the voluntary contributions 
of the soldiers and citizens of the Province is for the 
building of this wall, estimate the cost of it, and how 
much will be needed to continue the work, and with 
this and what you order, the Count of Galva, Viceroy 
of the New Spain, must send to Florida the sum of 
two thousand dollars, that the Governor may apply it 
to this work, and that he inform the Board of the size, 
latitude and thickness, the design of it, that they may 
better understand it. And that the Royal Officers cer- 
tify that said portion of the two thousand dollars was 
spent on this work, sending an exact account and 
cause. Then, the soldiers and citizens of Florida see- 
ing that your Majesty takes an interest in them and 
helps them, will feel encouraged to continue subscrib- 
ing. You will decide as most convenient. 
Madrid, August 11th, 1691. 



Old St. Augustine 155 

The King. 

To the Field Marshal Don Diego Quiroga y Losada — Afy 
Governor and Captain-General of the City of St. Au- 
gustine, in the Province of Florida, or to the Person or 
Persons in Whose Care His Government May Be : 

In a letter of June the 8th, 1640, it refers, among 
other things, that yon have sought the means of 
spending the money assigned for the purchasing of 
canvas and provisions for the Indians of the Pass of 
the River Salamototo, as was evident by the certificate 
and agreement that together with the Royal Officers 
of that city you made. Seeing all in my Council of 
War of the Indians — how special attention was called 
to the new tax imposed for the canoes that serve as 
transports at the referred river, I have resolved to or- 
der and command you (as I do) that the moment you 
receive this order, that you revoke the one by which 
you have distinguished yourself together with the 
Royal Officers, as the agreement of the 1st of Febru- 
ary, of 1698, being worthy of reproof, the one that 
you and they are working in this matter, without any 
orders whatsoever from me — as should always be the 
case in questions of this nature especially when my 
royal soul is so moved towards the Indians, my desire 
so great, that they should be civilized and treated not 
alone as my vassals, but as my own children subju- 
gating them and attending to their wants and comfort. 
Thus you will proceed to revoke what you have done. 
Advise my Royal Officers by dispatch of the date that 
they take note of this resolution in the books under 
their charge — so that at all times it shall be evident. 
And I also command that you immediately have pub- 
lished and posted proclamations to this effect in all 



156 The Unwritten History of 

public places in the city and Province inserting to the 
letter in the proclamation the contents of this dis- 
patch, and sending to the board by the first oppor- 
tunity presenting itself, testimony of having executed 
this procedure. A fine of a thousand reals imposed 
upon you, to be remitted if you do not execute this or- 
der immediately in the form that I have imposed and 
commanded. And that the canoes remain and be paid 
as they have been up to the present, and as they were 
up to the date when you imposed the above expressed 
tax. And you shall advise me clearly and plainly what 
has been the amount of these taxes up to the date of 
receipt of this dispatch, and if there be any portion of 
it, you have it placed at once in my Royal Chest in that 
city, to remain there until receiving my further or- 
ders. So does it suit me and my Royal service. 



The Council. 

Continuing the account of investigations which 
have been obtained and were promised in a letter of 
October 22nd to ascertain with certainty of the ex- 
cesses committed by the Governor of Florida, Don 
Francisco Moral Sanchez. 

The Council makes known that the events are so 
strange and extraordinary, which by divers means 
have been understood to have taken place in that Gar- 
rison and its administration, that the very excess it- 
self stuns one with astonishment and paralyzes the 
credulity of our mind — but, having complied with his 
duty as commanded, he explains : That he is quite as- 
sured of the truth of the report of the Engineer Don 
Antonio Arredondo, who was an eye-witness and had 



Old St. Augustine 157 

no reason whatever to judge him otherwise than im- 
partially, being in no conceivable manner dependent. 
That his report agrees in every particular with the 
other letters written of the excesses of the above men- 
tioned Governor as will be recognized by the docu- 
ment which accompanies this and is certified to by the 
Engineer /Vrredondo at the continuation of them in a 
private declaration made by the decree expedited for 
this purpose. 

That the few Indians of our faith represent and ex- 
press their true sentiments, as indicated by a document 
I remit to this Council, through the Rev. Bishop of 
Micale, which they obliged Senor Arredondo to receive 
and remit to your Majesty. That other certificates of 
military and private individuals of that Garrison, with 
other documents which accompany this, and not only 
confirm, but add such scandalous excesses of the priv- 
ate life of that Governor, that it is impossible to find 
decent and decorous words with which to express 
them. And some of these words are from the mouth 
of religious Monks and Priests who affirm all these 
letters as well as the one written by Don Antonio 
Benavides — there are also later letters giving accounts 
of the same proceedings. 

Besides the scandalous reports being certified to by 
all, in about the same manner, they accuse the Gover- 
nor of his treatment of the Captain of Grenadiers Don 
Felipe de Iturrieta, commandant of the detached 
troops, forgetting his personal merits, and official posi- 
tion, and his being a person of implicit integrity. He 
had him thrust into prison in a most shameful and 
scandalous manner — even depriving him of the re- 
sources of writing — and after trampling him in every 



158 The Unwritten History of 

way he incriminates him for disobedience in the per- 
formance of his duties — a mere pretense, for it was 
that this Officer refused to neglect his duty or allow 
his men to do so, by being off guard at the Barracks, 
where it is imperative, according to all military laws 
that guards should be at their post. The Governor 
wishing the men for his private purposes ignored or 
formed false conception of military duties and sus- 
pended and imprisoned the Captain. Of the same 
nature is the charge made against him of violating the 
Royal ordinance and defying it — when he replied to 
the Governor in words which would rather indicate re- 
spect. It is a shameful act to treat an Officer of honor 
of his well known character, who has the heavy re- 
sponsibilities which are recognized as belonging to 
said Captain, and are certified to in the statements of 
the circumstances, as also a petition in which is set 
forth all that has occurred, and imploring that justice 
be shown Captain Iturrieta that he may not be stigma- 
tized. While all written in these reports and certifi- 
cates are true, I did not depose him immediately from 
office until I received the report asked of the Bishop 
of Micale, knowing his prudence and virtue and that 
his word would be more approved than all else in the 
case. In the meantime while awaiting his report I am 
taking every step to conquer the difficulties which may 
arise to name a subject who can act in the interim, be- 
cause it seems the need is so great that it is impossi- 
ble to form any resolution whatever in the case pend- 
ing in that Province, and this consideration has sus- 
pended all movement of removing him until the order 
comes for doing so. This in our judgment being more 
prudent, as the referred to Governor is so engrossed 



Old St. Augustine 159 

in his private affairs as certified to in the papers of 
Don A. Arredondo, in which he speaks of the Barracks 
for lodging the soldiers, and the looking into this mat- 
ter belongs to the Viceroy of New Spain — that in 
proper time he take the precautions which he deems 
most essential. 

Concluding with the disposal of the reports, and 
taking the less scandalous means to depose the Gov- 
ernor of Florida, Don Francisco Moral Sanchez, as 
he has not been forewarned of what is to happen, it 
seems doubtful which is the best means to adopt, we 
will therefore consider the matter with more delibera- 
tion proceeding in the safest and most certain v/ay and 
rendering a personal account as quickly as possible 
thereafter. The Council. 



Excellent Lord: 

In conformity with what your Excellency desires, 
and satisfying the private order sent me, asking a re- 
port and true statement of affairs under the Governor 
Don Francisco Morales Sanchez. To assure myself 
from a responsibility devoid of all partiality, and to 
the truth of the excesses perpetrated by this Gover- 
nor and a few other private individuals and priests, 
of which that Garrison wrote you a complaint, asking 
that you immediatly depose the Governor and name 
some one in his place, pro tern., so that your Majesty 
being informed, may place some one who looks more 
to your interests. For this purpose you sent me a 
blank dispatch, that in time, I might fill out with the 
names of the subject elected and the investigation I 
had made in this affair. I must say, that they are so 



160 The Unwritten History of 

strange and extraordinary, and such divers means 
used in their performance — that the accounts I hear 
in this garrison chill the soul and congeal the blood 
in one's veins. There is no way of hiding the misery 
and misfortune to which this Garrison is exposed. 
With the same truthfulness I must expose the fact, 
that I am positively certain from the reports of the 
Engineer Don Antonio Arredondo, as an eye-witness, 
that all the excesses committed by this Governor are 
strictly true as written you and certified to in a report 
from this Garrison. 

The few Indians of our faith represent and express 
their lamentable sentiments on a paper written you, 
and sent through the Rev. Bishop of Micale. Other 
certificates of priests, military men, and private indi- 
viduals of that Garrison, which I enclose add such 
scandalous excesses in the manner of living of that 
Governor that I cannot find decent words in which to 
express it. Some of these are signed by the same 
priests who wrote to Don Antonio Benavidos, and 
there are others, citing what the Governor has perpe- 
trated on the Captain of Grenadiers, Don Felipe Itur- 
ricta, whom I sent there. Forgetting his merits and 
that he was a person of implicit confidence, whom I 
trusted for his unimpeachable conduct, they have 
placed him in prison under scandalous circumstances, 
intending to take from him the management of the 
troops over whom I placed him. He has been under 
the most rigorous guard, searching even his food, de- 
priving him of the privilege of writing to ask for a 
hearing, accusing him of crimes and lack of obedience. 
They have no other course, in my opinion, than a pre- 
text, as this Officer has fulfilled his duty with prompt- 



Old St. Augustine 161 

ness and rectitude, showing only the ordinary precau- 
tions observed in the regiments for infinite reasons. 
The guards cannot be excused from the Barracks 
where the troop is stationed — which is one of the prin- 
cipal rudiments of military tactics — as well for safety 
as anything which might occur. The Captain insisted 
on maintaining these principles from which has arisen 
this trouble, and the assigning of the wrong concep- 
tion of duty and want of obedience preferred against 
him. Of the same nature is the other charge : that he 
had defied the Governor. To this Captain Iturricta re- 
plied : if you were not the Governor you could not 
use such language to me — showing that he respected 
the office of Governor. The Governor does not seem 
to recognize the respect due to a man and Officer of 
standing and distinguished character, and let me add 
incidentally, placed here by me, as commandante of a 
detached body, to encourage and hold this fagged out 
Garrison. They should consider it an honor, for so 
distinguished a personage to accept this place, and so 
honorably discharge his duty. Your Majesty will un- 
derstand all from the report of said Captain and the 
testimonials stating the circumstances. I also enclose 
a petition from the Captain in which he implores you 
to do him justice, a virtue so in keeping with your 
Royal heart, and not allow an officer of his standing 
to remain in disgrace. I can positively assure you, 
that had not the Captain and other Officers been true 
and faithful to their duty, they could have caused 
much trouble among the inhabitants of this Garrison, 
from this unjust act. Although I have reported all 
the abuses said to have been committed by the present 
Governor of Florida, and you should place some one 
7 



162 The Unwritten History of 

of experience and good conduct in his place. I hope 
that your Majesty with your great experience, will 
pardon me for troubling you on the present occasion, 
and look unprejudiced into this affair. All that has 
been said of the matter, and all that I have been com- 
manded in so important a trust — I am trying to in- 
vestigate to the very root. Going cautiously, feeling 
my way, trying to right troubles without any scandal, 
so that I may send you the name of some worthy sub- 
ject who can act pro tern, in that capacity — as, from all 
the infonnation I have expounded it seems urgent you 
should remove this man, so as to restore the confi- 
dence your vassals have in your Majesty, and the re- 
sponsibility I represent. The engineer, Don Antonio 
Arredondo. assures me no other expedient can be 
taken, while the present Governor is so engrossed in 
his own private interests, as you may infer from the 
last chapter. 

Regarding the Barracks for lodging the hundred 
men, it is an evident fact, that but for the persistent 
eflFort of the Engineer Arredondo, they would have 
been returned to that Kingdom. All of which he re- 
ported to the Viceroy of Mexico that he might take 
the necessary precautions. Having disposed of the 
duty of having the Governor removed, I am doubtful 
of what will be best to do next toward your Majesty's 
interests, but I shall act as in my judgment seems best 
and as circumstances present themselves. 

May God preserve you. 

Juan Francisco Horcasitas. 



Old St, Augustine 163 



CHAPTER XV. 

A. D. 1708-1723. 

Letter from Prancisco Carcoles y Martinet to his 
Majesty reports all possible measures taken to 
prevent the enemy from destroying this Province 
— The Indians, aided by the English who supply 
them with guns, ammunition, knives and pistols, 
come from the Indian villages bordering the Caro- 
linas and carry oif each day certain persons — 
P amities and Christians taken oif to be sold into 
slavery — More than ten thousand up to the pres- 
ent have disappeared — A treaty urged with the 
English of the Carolinas, else there will be a con- 
tinuation of war and the spread of the Holy Gos- 
pel impeded — In a second letter the Governor 
gives an account of certain Priars who are getting 
up a dispute and lawsuit with the Priest of the 
Parish concerning the right and whose right to 
marry soldiers, Spaniards, Indians or mixed In- 
dians — These disputes brought before the Gov- 
ernor to settle, who in turn refers them to his Ma- 
jesty — Recommends the abolishing of all Heathen 
customs — By a Royal dispatch, A. D. 1721, the 
Governor of Plorida is commanded to go in per- 
son to the Governor of the Carolinas and arrange 
with him the observance of the Treaty of Peace 
between the English and Spanish of those Prov- 
inces adjoining, which same was carried out as 
far as possible — A letter from the Governor, An- 



164 The Unwritten History of 

tonio Bienavides, reports the sending of clothing 
and trinkets to pacify the Casiques and Chiefs of 
the Province of Appalachicola — Find the Indians 
restless and making preparations for war — Eng- 
lish spreading dissatisfaction — A Council of War 
decides to send a vessel to Havana for arms, men 
and provisions in anticipation of troiihulous times. 

The Governor's Letter. 
Your lordship: A. D. 1708. 

My principal care since assuming control as Gov- 
ernor has been to procure by all possible means to pre- 
vent the enemy from destroying at once this Province, 
and the few natives of it who have remained. When 
I took possession I called a meeting of the Board to 
discuss matters and we decided to retire the troops 
Mrom the town of Santa Fe, adding those of San Fran- 
cisco and the infantry that was at the pass of Salamo- 
toto river, as I have already informed you on the 20th 
of November, 1706, so that with a larger force we 
might resist the enemy, and the citizens of this City 
feel some relief. I had built on the line a thick pal- 
isade, as I informed you. I have also organized a 
company of cavalry who should go about on the skirts, 
as they have done, to gather up stores and guard the 
carpenters and persons who go out to work cutting 
timber for the Royal buildings. This has not sufficed 
to stop the enemy from continuing their scalping and 
hostilities which are being constantly felt. They come 
from the Indian villages bordering on the Carolinas, 
aided by the English, who supply them with guns, 
ammunition, knives and pistols ; at times they even ac- 
company them, which strengthens and encourages 



Old St. Aus:ustine 165 



"*> 



them so that all the terra firma along the southern 
coast is desolate. And each day the number of fami- 
lies these Indians carry off is increased. The Chris- 
tians have all disappeared, no doubt they have taken 
and sold them into slavery — more than ten or twelve 
thousand persons have gone. I have about three hun- 
dred with men, women and children. Even these are 
being carried away daily, when they go out to gather 
(guano) palmetto with which the Indians clothe them- 
selv.es — and wild roots which they use for eating, not 
having sufficient with the Royal Rations which we daily 
allow them. Today they bring me an account of how 

they carried off to Mica, who had gone out in 

search of roots — in all they have carried today twenty- 
eight persons, four of whom escaped and have brought 
the news. The fact of there being some capitulation 
of peace would be much added to the service of God 
and your Majesty by relieving us of these miserable 
Indians. All the natives from this Province are sold, 
imprisoned or detained in the Carolinas. If a treaty 
could be made with England to prevent the English in 
Carolina from supplying them with arms, ammuni- 
tion, etc., for it is with this they make war against us, 
and the dexterity with which they use them is amaz- 
ing — as though they had been brought up to their use. 
Unless such a treaty can be immediately reached, hos- 
tilities will continue, and in this America there will 
never be anything but war. And the English will 
always have the Indians on their side, as they protect 
them and furnish them with arms and ammunition, as 
they have done heretofore. Unless this treaty can be 
effected immediately, the best thing for us to dd will 
be to abandon the place entirely, as you have sug- 



166 The Unwritten History of 

gested, before they desolate it. But as it is so impor- 
tant to the Crown and the vast importance and revenue 
which will and can be derived from it would make it 
deplorable to give it up now. Besides the great im- 
portance of spreading the Holy Gospel, as it is being 
done, has made me delay in giving you this necessary 
information. 

May God guard you for many years as a true Chris- 
tian. Francisco Corcoles y Martinez. 

St. Augustine, Fla., January 14th, 1708. 



Letter of the Governor of Florida to His Majesty. 

Sire: A. D. 1708. 

The continued coming of the enemy who took up 
quarters at San Francisco Garrison, caused the natives 
to retire to this Garrison to seek protection under the 
Royal arms. From the same fear, the palisade castle of 
Salamototo having been attacked, the few natives 
withdrew, running from the cruel ravages of these 
enemies. About eight or nine persons having called a 
meeting to discuss the matter of evacuating these Gar- 
risons, the board decided that for the safety and better 
security of these natives it would be best to evacuate 
them. A more extensive account is given you in the 
testimony of each thing that I remit with this informa- 
tion, so that you may be well notified of the reasons 
for retiring from these two towns and others near 
them, that had already been deserted. We have as- 
signed them land near by, in line of the cannon of this 
Royal Fort, and we are maintaining them and helping 
with the best we can at your expense and from the 



Old St. Augustine 167 

Royal warehouses so that they may not perish until 
they can till the land and raise a crop to help support 
themselves, until things take a better turn. I hope 
your Majesty will approve and accept in good faith 
the step taken by the Board and that I am working 
and maintaining these natives for the best and greatest 
service of your Majesty. May God guard you as a 
Christian. Francisco Corcoles y Martinez. 

St. Augustine, Fla., November 30th, 1708. 



S*^' Lh^tter of the Governor of Florida to His Majesty. 
Sire: A. D. 1709. 

I write to give you an account of the Friars of San 
Francisco. Fray Francisco, Teacher of the Gospel at 
Santa Maria de Guale, and the guardian of this Con- 
vent, Fray Martin de Molina, have been trying to get 
up lawsuits and have had disputes with the Pastor of 
this Parish, Don Pedro Lorenzo Acevido. These Friars 
are opposed to having the Pastor marry the soldiers or 
any Spaniard to the Indians or mixed Indians, wish- 
ing themselves to administer this and the other sacra- 
ments to them and their children. For this they have 
drawn up Autos and presented them to me that I might 
grant them justice. I referred them each to your 
Majesty, suggesting that they draw up their testimony 
and I am to reserve the right of informing you on the 
subject. I therefore call to your Royal attention how 
these law suits, occurring daily, only tend to disturb 
the peace. This is all done, because these Friars, to 
obtain the fee, wish now to administer these sacra- 
ments, which have been administered for the last thirty 
years by the parish priest of this parish, who has per- 



168 The Unwritten History of 

formed the marriage ceremony and had them watch 
(velar) from the fathers down to the grandchildren, 
without once interfering with the rights of these Friars 
to administer to their own people, the Indians in the 
towns they have charge of, and whose language they 
understand, and as is customary, if a soldier or any one 
wishes to marry an Indian or mixed Indian they must 
do so in the Parish and church to which the Indian be- 
longs — thus, by degrees, leaving off all Heathen cus- 
toms. Your Majesty after seeing the Autos and receiv- 
ing this information will decide as he thinks best and 
most desirable for the good of all. May God preserve 
your Royal person that you may show justice. 

Francisco Corcoles y Martinez. 
St. Augustine, Fla., September 12th, 1709. 



Sire: A. D. 1722. 

By your Royal dispatch of May 25th of last year, 
1721, you commanded me that taking advantage of 
the suspension of arms and the friendly relations I 
had observed with the English of the Carolinas since 
then ; that your request at the Court of London had 
been granted. That under all these circumstances I 
should go in my official capacity to the Governor of 
Carolina and arrange with him to observe strictly the 
Treaty, that the vexation among the Indians who 
were ^''ied to the two nations should cease. I im- 
mediately complied with your order and sent the 
Contador, Don Francisco Menendez, accompanied by 
other officials, from this Garrison, with the commis- 
sion of having a firm agreement with the Governor 
of Carolina to make the Indians attached to his na- 



Old St. Augustine 169 

tion and to cease aggravating those with us, and thus 
live in peace and tranquiHty, pursuing agriculture. 
This peace being as important to one nation as the 
other, for, should war be declared, there would be 
no end to it. To this proposition and others as cer- 
tified in the accompanying letter which I take this 
occasion of sending you, the Governor and Parlia- 
ment of the Carolinas replied that they had received 
no such orders from the King of Great Britain, but 
that notwithstanding he would try to enforce peace 
during the suspension of arms. Immediately upon 
the arrival of Don F. Menendez in the Carolinas he 
was notified that the English had constructed a 
wooden fort on the tongue at the mouth of Talauje 
Province on your Majesty's territory, where, for many 
years the Indians and Guajas were settled and by 
reason of the siege this nation put on this Garrison, 
they had retired to where they still are. Don Fran- 
cisco Menendez hearing this, considered it wrong for 
them to trespass upon your Territory, and so stated 
it to the Governor, and also that he feared harm would 
result from it. The reply given was: that the King 
of Great Britain had ordered them to strengthen his 
dominions with fortifications in any form they deemed 
expedient. Under different pretexts the "Contador" 
tried to have them show the order, but they refused 
to do so, saying it was sufficient that they said they 
had the order, and the Governor of Florida had noth- 
ing at all to do with it. From which I infer, your 
Lordship, that with the arrival of this new Governor 
in these colonies, not only will he complete the build- 
ing of this Fort and settlement, but that he will also 
settle all the islands belonging to this jurisdiction, 



170 The Unwritten History of 

thus making the CaroHnas impregnable and reducing 
this Garrison to a more lamentable state than it is in 
today on account of its easy access to the Indians who 
would immediately come to possess themselves of the 
ammunition and arms which it is the very heighth 
of their ambition to obtain. So Menendez learned 
that provision had been made by the English Govern- 
ment to equip this Colony, and they were awaiting, at 
any moment, vessels with supplies and arms. Then, 
at a moment's notice, they will invade this Castle, it 
being their great ambition, and the only and sole aim 
of it, to capture this Fort for the protection of the 
New England, and the great use they could make of 
it in capturing your Majesty's vessels coming through 
the Bahama Channel. In giving you this information 
I feel that I not only comply with my royal duty, but 
also discharge the debt to my conscience in showing 
you the danger of this Province. With this intelli- 
gence you can act as most agreeable and convenient. 
May God preserve your Royal personage for many 
years. Antonio Benavidos. 

St. Augustine, Fla., Apr. 21st, 1722. 

The letter accompanying it: 

St. Augustine, Fla., Feb. 11th, 1722. 

Finding myself with an order from the King of 
Spain, my Lord and Master, for security with this 
and that government of reciprocal relations regarding 
the hostilities which on one and the other side has 
been completed, for the. welfare of the Indians, I re- 
solved to send to the Carolinas the "Contador" Don 
Francisco Menendez Marques, with other officials ac- 
companying him, to confer with his Excellency and 



Old St. Augustine 171 

the Lords of Parliament for some agreement by which 
the annoyances of the infidel Indians toward those 
attached to our nation, might cease, and they be al- 
lowed to continue their agricultural pursuits without 
further disturbances and incentives — and not forget- 
ting the agreement with Don Francisco Menendez 
Marques that during the suspension of arms, they try 
not to hostile the Indians of this Nation. That I, for 
my government, will keep them in subjection as I have 
done ever since the news of suspension of arms ar- 
rived, but that, if they should in any way fail in their 
agreement, they might rest assured that I shall take 
vengeance, and nothing shall deter me but their abso- 
lute subjection to our agreement. I shall make all 
necessary provision and watch with zeal, as I am fully 
persuaded that the keeping of this reciprocal agree- 
ment is the only foundation for tranquility and peace. 
Your Excellency will acknowledge receipt of this, and 
the agreement reached with Senor Menendez Marquez, 
that I may report to our King and Master. 

Antonio Benavidos. 



To THE King From the Governor of Florida. 
Sire : 

I place in your Royal hands the testimony of the let- 
ter written me by the Commandant whom I have in 
charge of the Garrison and Fort of San Marco, for- 
warded to him by Lieutenant Don Diego Pena who, 
by order, was sent to visit the Province of Apalachi- 
cola, with clothing and trinkets to gratify the Casiques 
and Chiefs. Both inform me that the Province of the 
Talepuses and others partial to the English of the 



172 The Unwritten History of 

Carolinas, are restless and trying to destroy the na- 
tion of Arinaco who yield obedience to this govern- 
ment. Inat they are making all preparations for war, 
which from the evil designs we may soon expect. The 
number of the discontented is far in the ascendency of 
those who seem to be on our side, but in whom we 
can place no confidence, they being so deceitful. Then 
again, the fear they may entertain seeing that the 
English are mustering the Indians of so many nations 
and spreading dissatisfaction among them, against the 
Spaniards. The news given us by the Lieutenant that 
some of those we should and ought to trust have him 
detained in Colache from where he wrote this letter 
which, with the one from the commandant, I attach 
to these ''Autos. " Of the steps taken by the Council 
of War, whom I called together to discuss this mat- 
ter, I will not send you testimony nor in any way 
trouble you. I shall only make known to your Royal 
intelligence that the Council of War decided to send a 
vessel to Havana with letters to the Governor of that 
place, that he might aid us in sending provisions, 
arms and men — the latter to land at some point fur- 
ther down and, taking horses, make their way in by 
land. The enemy may already have the place block- 
aded. Should you decide that this plan ought not to 
be carried out I am willing to sacrifice my life to have 
the disturbances among these Nations cease, and that 
all under control of this Government should live in 
peace, without any of the prejudices of those who dis- 
turb them. Besides, as is written in the Holy Gospel, 
"we will ravish the enemy, punish and destroy them." 
But, my Lord, the condition of this garrison is such 
that it will be impossible for us to hold out for any 



Old St. Augustine 173 

length of time. The rapidity with which they are 
gathering and preparing indicates we are to have 
serious and trying times. Ever since 1702 our forces 
have been falHng off, and we are weak. In giving you 
this information I am stating truths and fulfill my 
duty. Act as in your judgment with the aid of God 
is best. Antonio Bienavidos. 

St. Augustine, Fla., August 18th, 1723. 



174 The Unwritten History of 



CHAPTER XVI. 

A. D. 1736-1739. 
In a letter to his Majesty Governor Senor Montiano 
says it is reported that Don Diego Oglethorpe has 
said openly "that should he receive orders from 
his Government to Hx the boundary limits between 
the Spanish possessions and the Carolinas he 
would so delay the execution that there should 
never be a sign of these limits'' — Montiano thinks 
it would be wise for such a gentleman to be re- 
moved as it can never be possible to discuss ques- 
tions of importance with him — In A. D. 1738 the 
same Governor reports the result of a trip of 
investigation by one Juan Ygnacio de los Reyes, 
an Indian — Under the pretext of giznng himself 
up from having killed an Indian, he gains much 
information concerning the English, their plans 
against the Spanish, misleading the English as to 
the strength, numbers and condition of Spanish 
fortifications, finally escaping under pretext of 
hunting — Returns with valuable information to 
the Spanish — Statement of what has been ordered 
regarding the aid to Florida Provinces, the dis- 
lodging of the enemy from certain settlements on 
its territory, since its government up to 1674 — 
Dispatch of 1675 commands that if the negro 
slaves sent to Havana have not already been sold, 
they shall be sent to Florida, to be put to work on 



Old St. Augustine 175 

the construction of the Castle to relieve the In- 
dians. 

Letter for His Majesty from the Governor of Florida, 

Senor Montiano. 
My Lord: 

In a letter of the 28th of March of this year, you 
were kind enough to acknowledge receipt of my letter 
of August 14th of last year, in which I reported that 
Don Diego Oglethorpe, Commander of the English 
colonies, had said openly that although he should re- 
ceive orders from his King and Court to fix the bound- 
ary limits between this government's possessions and 
those of the Carolinas, he would delay the execution 
of it, so that there should never be a sign of these 
limits, and they must bear this always in mind, for 
whatever might present itself. With this intelligence 
it would be well to relieve these Colonies of such a 
man, because on questions of importance upon any 
occurrence which should need discussion, it would be 
exceedingly troublesome to manage a gentleman who 
even refuses to answer my former letters. This is all 
I can say on the subject — placing it before your Sov- 
ereign Majesty to whom God grant many years. 

Manuel Montiano. 

St. Augustine, Fla., August 11th, 1736. 



A. D. 1738. 

Information given by the Indian, Juan Ygnacio de 

los Reyes, of the Iquaha Nation, one of the neighbors 

of the town of Pocotalaca in the immediate vicinity of 

this Garrison. He says : That he left under my orders 



1?6 The Unwritten History of 

on the 4th of July of this year to go to the neighbor- 
ing EngHsh colony, and ascertain by as many ways 
and artifices as he could, their intentions, the state or 
condition they are in, and everything. He took a 
small canoe at the Fort of Picolata and went down 
that river and sailed through the mouth of the Sarabai, 
going as far as the Fort of San Pedro, which belongs 
to the English, meditating upon what scheme he 
should take to gain all this information, and not go 
about hiding and endangering his life needlessly. He 
thought of delivering himself up, as he did, pretending 
that he had killed an Indian here, and was fleeing not 
to be hung ; that he was seeking protection from them. 
On learning this he was favorably received, and could 
see a Fort which was square and stockaded with two 
pieces and a cannon looking seaward; in it was a de- 
tachment of twenty soldiers more or less, there is no 
neighborhood, and saw but four houses before coming 
to the Fort or Stockade ; a few laborers planting corn ; 
that the soldiers who are there are from a small vessel 
or Piroque of war, intended to seek the mouths of riv- 
ers ; that from this Fort of San Pedro he was taken by 
two soldiers to the Bar of Ballenas, that is where the 
first place called San Andres is, there he saw a number 
of soldiers drilling with spears, and although he did 
not then know their exact number, he afterwards 
learned in St. Simons from Lieutenant-Colonel Coch- 
ran that there were three hundred ; that he there saw 
a number of houses, newly built and close together as 
in Havana, a number of English women, wives of the 
soldiers, but he could not tell the number of houses in 
the place; that there is also a square Fort, with four 
cannon, towards the sea, and on the other side he could 



Old St. Augustine 177 

not see ; that there were small guard houses around it. 
He could not see if they had artillery, because they 
would not allow him too near; that from here to the 
sea inland by the Bay there is a thick palisade of earth 
with a parapet and at the extreme end there is a 
wharf and they told him that there they had flints for 
the Spaniards, and they keep a launch ready and armed 
so that at any moment of the day or night she can be 
used. She is manned with sixteen men. They carried 
him to St. Simons to the presence of Colonel Cochran. 
Immediately upon his arrival there, they sent six sol- 
diers with bayonets to escort him to the Colonel's 
house. He was asked where he was going, he replied 
to seek protection and favor from them ; he had killed 
an Indian in St. Augustine. Colonel Cochran extended 
his hand to him, but when he went to take it he only 
gave him one finger. He was asked about the Armada 
which was to encounter them : how many vessels and 
men it brought. He told them he had not seen it, but 
had heard there were a hundred vessels with more 
than 4,000 men. and that the Governor of St. Augu- 
tine had told them to return, that he did not wish to 
hurt the English. He was asked how many troops 
were in this Garrison — he replied that there used to 
be four companies of one hundred soldiers on horse, 
but that recently five more companies of one hundred 
men each had arrived. They then asked if there was 
much silver in Florida. He replied : Yes, as there were 
so many soldiers, money flowed freely. Then Colonel 
Cochran told him all that would soon belong to the 
King of Great Britain. He was then asked about the 
Castle and Garrison. He told them the Castle had one 
hundred and sixty cannons so large he could not reach 



178 The Unwritten History of 

around them ; the Garrison had twelve bulwarks with 
ten cannon each. To which Colonel Cochran told him : 
Well, see here; when you hear that General Ogle- 
thorpe, whom I am expecting with seven thousand 
men, has arrived, then you will see me place a vessel 
of war at the mouth of the Bar, and prevent any food 
from entering Florida. On the keys I shall place oth- 
ers and no one shall enter Havana, expressing himself 
in such a way as to say that the King of England 
would gain more by taking Florida than Gibraltar; 
that while that was advantageous, this would yield 
them a great deal more. This conversation was con- 
tinued, asking if the Castle could be reached if there 
was water inside, to all of which he told them it was 
impossible. Speaking of the Governor, he asked for a 
grape arbor he had in his house, said to yield great 
quantities of grapes. He told them the Governor was 
a saintly man, and that while he knew him to be so 
good, he could not help but flee from the punishment 
he knew he deserved for killing the Indian, because 
the Governor was also a just man. That it was true he 
had a grape arbor producing large quantities of 
grapes. Colonel Cochran then said : Very well, within 
one or two years we will make our wine and whiskey 
there. He says that day and night he never tired ask- 
ing about Florida; that now they were fortifying to 
afterwards come and take it; that in St. Simons he 
had three hundred troops, as many more in San An- 
dres and Sabanato. He had brought these to take 
Florida, but hearing of the Spanish Armada, they had 
desisted and sent for seven thousand more men, whom 
Oglethorpe would bring, and upon the arrival of this 
Commander in less than two months thev would 



Old St. Augustine 179 

gather 506,000 Indians; that he would make his en- 
trance by the river St. Johns in schooners and small 
vessels and disembark at a place some seven leagues 
distant from Florida, where they had two small ports. 
These Juan Ygnacio saw with his own eyes, where 
they have the men they were drillng at San Andres. 
That in St. Simons he saw ten squares with ten houses 
and seventy houses in six squares, the other four 
squares were not completed. That in each of the 
houses they lodged six soldiers. That he also saw a 
Fort with fifteen cannon, and as it was in a bad con- 
dition, they were making brick to rebuild it. That 
going out to hunt, he came near the house of "Fred- 
erico" distant from St. Simons three leagues more or 
less. The English would not allow him to enter there, 
but turned him back to St. Simons. That about one 
league from this place he saw a vessel called the 
Mamal, and there he saw them building six large 
houses in which they had fifty men, that they had 
large timber works. This he knows positively, hav- 
ing been there twice. That Cochran and another 
Englishman whom he thinks they call William Hous- 
ton, he overheard say that they had offered the In- 
dians fifty dollars for every Spanish scalp they killed, 
black or white, or Christian Indian, any one partial to 
Spain. That his escape to return was accomplished 
in the following manner : That one Thursday at ten 
o'clock in the morning he told Cochran that he was 
going hunting, if he found no game he would remain 
over night and fish, returning the next day ; he al- 
lowed him to go ; taking advantage of the occasion 
he took his canoe and sailed along the rivers until 
Friday morning, when he got on terra firma, leaving 



180 The Unwritten History of 

his canoe he walked two days in the direction of the 
sunset, then crossed over the land and at the end of 
ten days he was on the St. Johns river where he found 
the launch from this Garrison, which is there on 
guard. Having called and taken his shirt for a flag, 
they went and brought him over. The same day he 
started for this place where he arrived at twelve 
o'clock at night and gave the information as I send it. 

Manuel Montiano. 
St. Augustine, Fla., Aug. 20th, 1738. 



By a Cedula of June 20th. 1671, the Viceroy of 
New Spain has been ordered to communicate with 
the Governor of Florida, hoping that through his zeal 
much can be accomplished in the cause of the Eng- 
lish, preventing them from getting a strong foothold 
so near the mouth of the river St. Elena, which would 
be prejudicial to our interests. Therefore the Viceroy 
is requested to give all the aid required. As to the 
proposed fortification to this Port for its defense, do 
what is necessary to defend the Province and com- 
municate also with the Viceroy whom I have com- 
manded to try and give all the assistance possible, 
always bearing in mind not to violate the laws of the 
capitulation of peace. The Governor of Havana be- 
ing nearest to Florida was also commanded to com- 
municate with the Governor of Florida and render 
all the aid and assistance possible in the dislodging of 
the English from the river St. Elena, who if remain- 
ing in said place would cause much trouble. The 
Governor of Florida must also keep him informed of 
the state of affairs. In a letter dated April, 1671, the 



Old St. Augustine 181 

Viceroy Marquez de Mancera gives an account of the 
aid sent to the Garrison of St. Augustine in accord- 
ance with Cedula received. The papers showing that 
this aid had been received and approved by the Coun- 
cil of War, accompanying this letter, which also states 
the order given the Governor of New Spain to be 
very careful in keeping a continual correspondence 
with the Governor of Florida, send suppHes promptly, 
and notify the Viceroy of all that occurs. Act in every 
way for the best security of that Garrison, using the 
greatest diligence in its fortification and defense, be- 
ing as I understand of such importance. State what 
steps have been taken in regard to the fortification that 
was to be built, and to which reference is made in this 
dispatch to the Governor Manuel Cendovia and if the 
supplies of the soldiers and provisions to begin the 
work have arrived. 

By Cedula of May 9th it was again commanded the 
Viceroy, calling his special attention to it, that he 
must aid and supply this Garrison that it may be in 
readiness for any emergency which may arrive. By 
another Cedula the Governor of Florida was to in- 
form the inhabitants of that Fort, find out if they had 
their full quota for its defense, or if they found it 
necessary to increase the number on account of the 
new settlement of English sixty miles north. How 
long they had been there, and if they were sufficiently 
provided to dislodge the English, which information 
must be given so as to provide all and anything that 
is necessary. The Governor represented that in the 
past, the number of infantry in the Garrison was three 
hundred in which were included men of diflferent 
trades, forty missionary priests without whom the 



182 The Unwritten History of 

number was not complete, adding that the total num- 
ber was three hundred. When the news of the loot- 
ing by the English arrived they immediately sent to 
the Viceroy of New Spain to send five hundred men 
to increase the infantry, appealing to Mexico for more 
men to complete the number, they replied that they 
had sent assistance to other Garrisons where they 
were watching and had to have supplies and artillery, 
so that the War Department had provided all it could. 
But to send to Havana and have the Governor of that 
Post to act as he had been commanded and send with 
the utmost speed the necessary defense for that Gar- 
rison. That the Viceroy had been notified to order 
the Royal officers of Mexico to increase the supplies 
of Florida each year by forty-three recruits, so that 
there should never be less than three hundred and 
ninety in quarters. A Notice of which was sent the 
Governor of Florida that he might keep them in- 
formed of its fulfilment. To pay special care and 
vigilance to the Province, having it well defended 
against accident from the enemy entering, they could 
instantly banish and punish them. The Governor of 
Florida also made known the great want of artillery, 
having consulted with the War Department that same 
date, the War Department ordered the Viceroy of 
New Spain and Governor of Havana each to send 
without delay two pieces of bronze artillery at the 
same time they had sent an order to the contracting 
house in Sevilla to send other pieces that were in that 
City on the first occasion and also the two hundred 
arms asked for, that the Garrison may not be without 
the means of defense and safety. To keep the in- 
fantry under good discipline and that the Gk)vernor 



Old St. Augustine 183 

place himself in communication with the Viceroy and 
the Governor of Havana to see that they send him 
four pieces of artillery. The Florida Governor gave 
an account in this letter also, of having formed a 
cavalry company and a military company enlisting in 
them all who were able, old men and boys not yet of 
age, his own sons among them. This he did for the 
greater safety of the place against the enemy. He 
was giving the utmost zeal and care to his duties. In 
a letter of 1674 the Sergeant-Ma j or acting as Gov- 
ernor of the Province of Florida, states that a vessel 
had arrived at that Port and they had received four 
pieces of artillery and other ammunition from the 
contracting house in Sevilla, that with this and the 
artillery that was to come from Havana- and New 
Spain, these would be sufficient for the defense of the 
Garrison. By a dispatch of 1674 thanks were sent 
the Archbishop, Viceroy, for having sent to Florida 
all the supplies due that Garrison. It was sent that 
it might leave on the fleet passing Vera Cruz for 
Spain. 

By another dispatch the Governor, Pablo Ita Sala- 
zar, was recommended that he apply himself with 
much zeal in perfecting the fortification of the Royal 
Fort being built in that City and that it be accomplished 
in a manner for the best safety of the Province. By 
Cedula of 1675 the Sergeant-Major Don Nicolas 
Ponce de Leon, in reply to a letter of his, and attentive 
to an order sent the Governor of Cuba, that if the 
negro slaves sent to Havana had not already been 
sold, he should send immediately upon their arrival 
fifty of them to Florida, where they should be put to 
work on the Castle under construction. The Indians 



184 The Unwritten History of 

who served as peons were not strong and their people 
Vv'ere much opposed to their leaving the planting of 
corn which is the sustenance of their families. And 
the Governor was ordered upon their arrival in Flor- 
ida to apply them to this work and relieve the In- 
dians and to finish the construction as quickly as 
possible. 



Old St. Augustine 185 



CHAPTER XVII. 

A. D. 1741-1743. 

Conduct of the Christians worse than the heathen — 
Soldiers guarded while they are ciittng timber to 
repair the Fort — The Castle in a tumble-down con- 
dition — The Garrison to be maintained for the 
propagation of the Holy Gospel, and to shelter the 
workers of the Apostolic faith — A paper of repre- 
sentation to his Majesty concerning the properties 
belonging to the Treasurer^ Don Francisco Men- 
endez, deceased, left by will to the Royal Treasury 
— The pressing need of the Infantry of this Gar- 
rison; it having no capital, the property should be 
sold at public auction and proceeds go to restore 
back pay of troops to alleviate suffering, hunger 
and need for clothing, instead of being used for a 
hospital as per the King's desire — A letter from 
Governor Manuel Montiano informs his Majesty 
of fourteen English vessels anchored off the Bar 
of this Port — Six Spanish galleys sent to meet 
them at which the enemy retires. 

Sire: A. D. 1741. 

By the dispatches which, on this occasion, I send 
you dupHcates as well as the original, you and your 
Royal and Supreme Council of the Indias will see the 
royal and Supreme Council of the Indias will see the 
condition of this Port. The continued watch and 
worry I have. The continuous watch by day and night 



186 The Unzvritten History of 

of the Infantry to repulse the hostihties of these 
enemies. The heathen not being as bad as the Chris- 
tians who have risen and commit the most bloody 
deeds upon all those whom they catch, carrying off 
Indians as well as soldiers prisoners to the Carolinas, 
where they sell them into bondage. For the execution 
of this they have a different set of soldiers stationed at 
the terminus of all the roads leading to this Garrison. 
I am forced to send out troops on foot and horse to 
accompany any party going out to fell and saw timber 
for the much needed repairs of the ramparts, gather 
wood, coal, etc. I began these repairs as soon as I 
took possession, otherwise the whole thing would have 
been demolished and left us with no defense whatso- 
ever. These repairs cannot last long, for the reasons 
I have already repeatedly informed you, and lastly, 
the great need the Royal Troops have of rebuilding the 
ramparts, quarters, warehouses and roofs that they 
may stay in at all. To save you such enormous ex- 
pense as each day occurs, it will be necessary to fortify 
the place at once, because with the English in such 
close proximity as the Carolinas, this Port is in the 
greatest danger of being lost, as the troops are de- 
fenseless and needy as you have been repeatedly in- 
formed, and you have given such stringent orders that 
the Viceroy should supply all that is needed for the 
expulsion of these English, and for which I have done 
my part far as possible, as you will see from the con- 
sultation I had with him on the 10th of April of this 
year, an account of which I rendered your Majesty. 
Notwithstanding the risk of encountering these ene- 
mies, no occasion is lost of going out to find what is 
needed and necessary for the preservation and de~ 



Old St. Augustine 187 

fense of the Port. Cutting and sawing timber for 
the stables and artillery, the most important things — 
the soliciting of supplies that we may not be in want 
as the entire Garrison and neighborhood depend en- 
tirely upon the Royal Warehouses for their sustenance, 
as I long ago informed you on the 24th of March. I 
am hourly awaiting my successor, to whom I shall give 
all needed instruction regarding the defense of this 
Port from the enemy. I have decided to surrender as 
far as possible the execution of the repairs I have men- 
tioned that he may apply all that he gets to the ser- 
vice of the two Majesties ; that this Garrison may be 
maintained for the propagation and extension of the 
Holy Gospel, as has been done by the good Catholics, 
the Kings, your predecessors of a hundred and sixty 
years, at such enormous expense with no other inter- 
est than to shelter with these arms the Workers of the 
Apostolic faith to the greater honor and glory of God. 
May He preserve your Majesty. 

Francisco CorcoIvES y Martinez. 
St. Augustine, Fla., December 11th, 1741. 



Representation. 

1743. 

The Officers of the Royal Treasury of this Garrison, 
at the most convenient time and without prejudice to 
the definite appeal and protests made in favor of the 
same Royal Treasury, represent to your Highness that 
in view of this Post having more than seven hundred 
men, re-enforcement over and above the troops of its 
Garrison. That with the demise of Don Francisco 
Menendez Marquez, Auditor who was. of these same 



188 The Unwritten History of 

Royal Coffers, your Highness has thought that the 
houses occupied by him as residence, and all the bal- 
ance of his property to which he made the King his 
sole and only heir, should be dedicated to the use of 
hospitals to serve these same troops of the infantry 
of this Garrison when occasion offers, on account of 
the war. Before your Highness determines to take 
this step, it becomes indispensable that we should ex- 
pose the fact to you that we cannot consent to have 
the abovementioned houses assigned to any such uses 
for the following reasons : 

First, because in his will Don Francisco Menendez 
Marquez himself declares that, not being able from the 
balance of his accounts to satisfy the Royal Treasury, 
he understood directly that it became compulsory for 
him to ease his conscience that he should name the 
King his sole and only heir. From this is deduced 
that all property known as that of Don Francisco 
Menendez is, with legitimate title, the property of the 
Royal Treasury. Not having the authority to sell 
these without an order from your Majesty, it is con- 
sistent that we who are his executors and lack the 
Royal permit to determine what disposition to make of 
it resist the intention and thought your Highness has 
formed of the use of the above mentioned houses and 
balance of property of the aforementioned gentleman. 
It seemed to us that in all fairness and justice they 
should be closed out at public auction and the pro- 
ceeds thereof distributed among the Infantry of this 
Garrison; because this Garrison has no capital of its 
own, it follows that the legitimate creditors to the 
property are these same troops. The Royal Treasury 
is under obligation to restore to the Infantry the back 



Old St. Aitcrustiiie 189 



pay due them, and never better than now, that they 
lack clothing and are perishing, should aid come at a 
more opportune time, and it could be done with the 
proceeds of this property, lessening the obligation of 
the Royal Treasury that amount. 

Second: Your Highness can have no conception 
of the increased suffering occasioned by the war. The 
curing of the wounded soldiers and sailors who have 
been in this Post for over two years, there being no 
capital to apply to the indispensable expense of medi- 
cal attendance for this purpose, it is easy to understand 
that the situation is burdened by heavy expenses, and 
to make it clearer, up to the present date no provis- 
ion has been made to cover the cost of the many works 
of fortification in this Post and on the bar of Matan- 
zas to defend them against the continued attacks of 
our enemy, and for the multitude of Indians who have 
attached themselves to us with so much firmness and 
friendship, who forgetting us, and the word given to 
your Highness of remaining neutral in the actual war 
between ourselves and the English, and of the liber- 
ality of the King who orders them always to be 
treated with so m.uch kindness and affection when 
thev come. 



In a letter of September 15th of last year we ex- 
plained to your Majesty how fourteen English vessels 
had anchored off the bar of this Port, coming prepared 
and perfectly sure they could disembark and take pos- 
session. The six galleys of your Majesty met them, 
and notwithstanding their continued firing they made 
them retire. We await and naturally expect them to 



190 The Unwritten History of 

return and try to carry out their intentions. And 
therefore, your Majesty's service is as vigilant as pos- 
sible to be on the alert to prevent it. It has been a 
great pleasure and satisfaction to us to inform your 
Majesty of the good results obtained by the efforts of 
your six galleys in expelling the enemy. We are 
watching closely along the coast of this Province for 
any other design they may have of entering. God pre- 
serve you. Manuei. Montiano. 
El Prado, March 30th, 1743. 



Old St. Augustine 191 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

A. D. 1770-1771. 
A letter of resolution to his Majesty in respect to a 
letter of appeal made to the Governor and the 
Bishop of Havana asking for patent and Holy oil 
to administer baptism and extreme unction to the 
Catholic families taken from the Island of Minorca 
by the English — These families bringing with 
them one Don Pedro Campos, Doctor of Sacred 
Theology, as a Parish Priest, and Don Bartolome 
Casanovas, of the St. Augustine order. Vicar — 
These same claiming to have received their ap- 
pointment from the Supreme Pontificate, not 
knowing to zvhich Bishop this jurisdiction of Flor- 
ida belonged — At the end of three years to appear 
in writing to the Prelate of the Apostolic choir of 
that Diocese — This letter sent secretly by a Usher- 
man — In order that a thorough investigation may 
be made, the matter is referred to his Royal High- 
ness — Letter of the Archbishop of Valencia con- 
cerning same — Letter of the Bishop of Cuba to his 
Majesty, in which he expresses gratification over 
the seal his Highness has shown concerning this 
matter — Advises that these privileges be conferred 
upon Dr. Pedro Campos and Pedro Casanovas — 
Letter of the Bishop of Minorca giving informa- 
tion concerning the exporting of these families 
from the Island of Minorca by the English. 



192 The Unwritten History of 

Letter of RjesoIvUTion. 
Sire: A. D. 1770. 

By order of his Majesty I sent the Knight of the 
Order, Fray Don JuHan de Arriaga, with papers of 
February 27th of this year, to the Governor of Ha- 
vana, and documents which treat especially of the 
appeal made, to the Bishop of that diocese, asking 
him for patent and Holy oil to administer baptism and 
extreme unction to the Catholic families who were 
taken from Minorca, to colonize the territory in Flor- 
ida, belonging to the English, so that it may be recog- 
nized and consulted in the Council whatever may 
come up on this subject. The proclaimed Governor 
Don Antonio Bucareli y Ursna give an account re- 
ferring to the above mentioned documents. He 
states that he received a letter addressed to the Bishop 
of that diocese by one of the passing fish boats on its 
way to the northern coast for the fisheries. That im- 
mediately upon its receipt, he made returns of a copy 
of it, and its entire sentiment, which he forwarded. 
From the appearance of its contents, the subject 
treated, in their judgment it seemed proper to lay the 
whole matter before your Majesty, including a copy 
of the aforementioned letter, that you might decide 
what was most agreeable to your Royal pleasure. In 
the already mentioned letter signed it seems by Don 
Pedro Campos, Doctor of Sacred Theology, dated 
from Mosquito on the 20th of October of 1769, the 
prelate lays before the public the fact that one year 
previous Mr. Andrew Turnbull, an Englishman, had 
taken from the Island of Minorca about 1300 persons 
to colonize Florida, for whom he was appointed Par- 



Old St. Augustine 193 

ish Priest and Don Bartolome Casanovas, of the St. 
Augustine order, Vicar of said jurisdiction. They 
had received their appointment from the Supreme 
Pontificate, not knowing to which Bishop this juris- 
diction of Florida belonged, but it was their duty to 
appear by writing before the expiration of three years 
to the Prelate of the Apostolic chair in that diocese. 
That both of them are natives of Minorca, which 
Island was temporarily subject to the King of Great 
Britain and spiritually to the Bishop of Minorca. 
That he had studied philosophy and theology, received 
all the orders, been one of the governing body and 
Vicar. This last office he had held for twelve years 
in Minorca. Preached during several Lents, as had 
also Padre Casanovas. For all these reasons he begs 
that he be sent a patent of Parochial Priest and one of 
Vicar to Fray Casanovas. He also asks for some of 
the Holy Oil used in baptism and extreme unction. 
That all these be sent him by the same secret means of 
the fishermen for the spiritual aid and advancement 
of those Catholic people. 

Successively the same Knight of the Order sent 
another paper and testimony to the Bishop of Cuba, 
Don Santiago Echevarria, saying that the dispatch 
or expedient sent belonged to the Council. With the 
order of February 27th referring to the solicitude felt 
by that Vicar and Parish Priest for the families who 
had been transported from Minorca, so that they 
might be united to this tribunal which could proceed 
to recognize them as stated in the prepared informa- 
tion. In it the same prelate, Don Julian Arriaga, of 
the diocese, states that at the same time he had full 
knowledge of the letter of Dr. Campos, the Governor 
8 



194 The Unwritten History of 

passed a bill considering it not worthy of his consid- 
eration and not recognizing the legitimacy of the 
letter of the pretendent nor his pontifical jurisdiction. 
Affirming that the testimony was of little value or 
belief. The simple say so of a letter. The class of 
foreigners who lived among heretics, diminished their 
estimation of the Holy Oil, finally that he considered it 
absolutely necessary to lay the whole matter before 
your Majesty. Considering each clause of the letter, 
he deemed that it should be answered by the minister, 
arranging all according to his judgment and resolu- 
tion to be made known, so that hereafter he may 
know how to proceed in similar cases. The Council, 
in view of the referred report, placed it before the 
Judge, whose original answer is in the hands of your 
Royal Highness confirming the opinion it contains and 
placing before your Royal consideration that the judg- 
ment found by the Bishop of Cuba has been very 
prudent, that he has worked with wise precaution, be- 
cause truly the contents of Dr. Campos' letter are very 
delicate, and one should be cautious in being influ- 
enced by a weak letter entrusted to uncertain fisher- 
men. That at all events it lacks the necessary antece- 
dents required for an affair of less importance. That 
the foundation should be the legitimizing of the per- 
sons referred to by the Priest and the Fray Casanova. 
The claims with which they passed to Florida in com- 
pany with the families from Minorca and the juris- 
diction they assure us to have received from the Su- 
preme Pontificate. Nothing of this has been sent in 
document form, nor promised to be sent in such form, 
ignoring also whether the families from said Island 
taken out by the English were Catholics, and if they 



Old St. Augustine 195 

had passed into Florida as such and with the freedom 
of enforcing their rehgion. That CathoHcs, perma- 
nent residents of Florida, should ask spiritual aid of 
the Bishop of Cuba, is perfectly proper, because, be- 
fore the occupation of the English, Mosquito was 
under his jurisdiction. Neither should sacred things 
be exposed to the scorn and ridicule of heretics, nor 
should it be badly administered. The secret manner 
in which Dr. Campos seeks this aid, so very queer, be- 
cause if the families from Minorca are Catholic and 
were transported as such to Florida with the free 
privilege of their religion, as is seen by their efforts 
in bringing with them a Parish Priest and Vicar. The 
English would certainly not oppose them in publicly 
asking for and having all that is required by these 
same Catholics for administering the sacraments, edu- 
cation of the masses, and spiritual good of their souls. 
All this makes it indispensable that we should have a 
thorough knowledge and investigation of these affairs 
by other means before we can decide on this matter 
with any certainty. To which is added that by the 
article eleven of the Treaty of Peace adjusted on the 
13th of July of the year 1713, in which was ceded to 
the crown of Great Britain the Island of Minorca, 
(among other things) promised by his British Ma- 
jesty was that the inhabitants of the said Island should 
enjoy in all safety and peacefulness all the honors and 
privileges of the Roman Catholic religion, and also 
that for the preservation of this religion they should 
take all measures which did not appear exposed to 
the Government of Sevilla and laws of Great Britain. 
Thus it seems to the Council that your Minister in 
Rome should be appointed to investigate the matter 



196 The Unwritten History of 

with the greatest soHcitude, because if the Catholics 
of the above mentioned Island of Minorca, trans- 
ported by the English in the year 1768 (as we deduce 
from Dr. Campos' letter), have made an appeal to the 
Apostolic Secretary in order to carry with them their 
own Pastor, and if his Holiness has named in the 
capacity of the Parish Priest and Vicar the referred 
to Don Pedro Campos and Don Bartolome Casanova 
of the St. Augustine Order, and such jurisdiction 
assigned to them. 

Being informed as briefly and clearly as possible, 
extend an order to the Captain-General of the Island 
of Minorca and to the Bishop of that Diocese that 
they may separately inform if they know of the ex- 
portation of the families of Minorca by the English 
to populate Florida. If the declared families were 
Catholic, and if the Prelates lived and behaved as 
priests ; if they passed over here with the understand- 
ing that they had free use of their religion, if Dr. 
Campos and Pedro Casanova were elected as Parish 
Priest and Vicar of them. What is the character and 
circumstances of these two subjects, and if on accept- 
ing they gave notice and obtained permission of that 
minister and that prelate. In the meanwhile if the 
steps have been taken, it is imperative that the Gov- 
ernor of Havana and the Bishop of Cuba be given to 
understand that the prudent steps taken by them was 
exactly and perfectly agreeable to your Majesty. 
Their determination and your agreeing with it per- 
fectly as though they had anticipated your resolution 
on the present subject. That without appearing in it, 
the Bishop should try by all means available to in- 
vestige the manner of practising the Catholic re- 



Old St. Augustine 197 

ligion by these Minorcans in Florida. The position 
of Dr. Campos and Fray Casanova who are supposed 
to be Parish Priest and Vicar of the CathoHc portion 
of the settlement. Let a similar order be given the 
Governor so as to advance as speedily as possible with 
the news, giving information of the results of the 
search that your Majesty may decide on what is most 
agreeable to your Royal Highness. 
Madrid, Sept. 27th, 1770. 



Letter of the Archbishop of Valencia. 
My Dear Sir: 

Having formed the corresponding petition, beg- 
ging for an extension of the privileges granted Don 
Pedro Campos and Pedro Bartolome Casanovas, I 
also asked the Pope in the name of his Royal Majesty 
to grant these ministers all privileges in their spirit- 
ual management, as requested by his Majesty. 

Your Lordship notified me as seems quite proper 
the time to investigate concerning these privileges, 
he being one of the supervisors at the tribunal of the 
Holy Office, he immediately accomplished what was 
asked by sending to his Holiness at the instigation of 
Monsenor Autoville, Assessor of said Tribunal, who 
spoke favorably of helping them with his influence, 
as he did, and you will see by the enclosed letter of 
Saturday sent by Senor Zelada. He informs me that 
his Holiness extends to them the privileges for a term 
of twenty years and inquires of me if I have attended 
to the balance of the communications soliciting greater 
privileges for these Ecclesiastics, enclosing for my in- 
struction the printed pamphlet of privileges granted 



198 The Unwritten History of 

the Bishop of Cuba, where he facilitates the authen- 
tic open mandate. Seeming to me to be agreeable and 
satisfactory to the King, I replied that he should ask 
these privileges and notify me, as he has done, and 
which I send you, hoping they will deserve your ap- 
proval and the pleasure of his Majesty. I take this 
occasion of placing myself at your disposal, and may 
God grant you a long life is the wish of 

The; Bishop of Valencia. 
Trascati, August 28th, 1771. 



Letter of the Bishop of Cuba. 
Sire : 

I have had the honor of receiving the Royal Cedule 
of your Majesty dated in Idelfonso 16th of August, 
of this year, in reply to my letter of February 19th. 
You condescend to enclose me a copy of what the Rev. 
Bishop of Minorca has written regarding the Cath- 
olic families who were taken from Minorca to estab- 
lish themselves in the English territory of Florida, 
called Mosquito, and a literal copy of the privileges 
granted by the Apostolic See to the Parish Priest and 
Vicar of them. 

You order me that in the use of peculiar privileges 
and delegated in consequence of the subordination 
under which these Presbyters declare themselves. I 
should grant them the titles they ask of parochial and 
assistant in the most approved form under the present 
state of affairs — to furnish them with the Holy Oil as 
long as there should be no reason for withholding it, 
and take entire care of those faithful, governing them 
by means of these ministers, and taking as many pre- 



Old St. Augustine 199 

cautions as I consider proper to the preservation of the 
faith, availing myself in case of need of the Governor 
and Captain-General of this Island. Your Majesty 
advises me of the official letters addressed by the Sec- 
retary of State to the Court of London, representing 
clearly what was said by the Bishop of Minorca, and 
also the result of the solicitation which by your order 
has aided the Rev. Archbishop of Valencia with his 
Holiness, in obtaining from him an extension of the 
privileges granted these Ecclesiastics extend even be- 
yond mine — and it is well and needed for the spiritual 
good of this Catholic portion. Have the goodness to 
permit me to express the sweet commotion my soul 
has felt at seeing the proper zeal on the part of your 
Majesty, and the interest you take in extending the 
Kingdom of Christ over all the world. This example 
must influence the Pastors, as we have the honor of 
rendering homage to so great and Catholic a Mon- 
arch. 

As to the instructions of your Sovereign Majesty 
that I should communicate your resolutions to the 
Marquez de la Torre, the new Governor and Captain- 
General of this city and Island, I did not have to en- 
courage his zeal in the affair. Full of the greatest 
energy in the service of God and your Majesty, he 
immediately fitted up a vessel which, under the pre- 
text of fishing along the coast of Florida, should ap- 
proach Mosquito Inlet and deliver to Dr. Pedro Cam- 
pos, through safe hands, the two titles, for himself 
that of Parish Priest and Vicar for his companion, 
Pedro Casanovas — a delegation of various privileges 
I have considered advisable for the spiritual good of 
that Diocese under its dangerous constitution. A cas- 



200 The Unwritten History of 

ket containing three vessels of the Holy Oil needed, 
and two assistants for the divine worship, all of which 
I offer up to the service of God. 

These documents I place at the foot of your throne. 
By them you will see how I have written to these Min- 
isters inspiring them with a spirit of gratitude. I en- 
courage and sustain them to carry out their good en- 
terprise, exacting a report under pretext of aiding 
them in their spiritual emergencies. The moment I 
obtain them I shall send to your Majesty all the light 
I obtain on the subject. I shall be on the lookout to 
consult the books used by these Religious men, and 
aid them in all that is needed for the reasonable ad- 
ministration of the sacraments and health of their 
souls. Judging by the measures I have taken of their 
delegation they will scarcely need the extension of 
the first words of the Holy Chair. On the arrival of 
these, I shall take other means more suitable to these 
circumstances, and in all shall try to carry out the 
real intentions your Majesty has deemed proper to 
state to me and nothing will be more gratifying than 
to ascertain them through my fidelity to God, who I 
hope will preserve you for many years. 

Havana, December 14th, 1771. 



Letter of the Bishop of Minorca. 
My Dear Sir: 

On date of October 27th just passed and by order 
of your Majesty, on the occasion of a representation 
made you by common accord by the Bishop and Gover- 
nor of Havana, I was commissioned by Don Tomas 
Melio, predecessor of your Majesty's, to give any infor- 



Old St. Augustine 201 

mation I could regarding the exporting of the famihes 
from the Island of Minorca by the English to colonize 
Florida. If these families were Catholics and if Dr. 
Pedro Campos and Padre Bartolome Casanovas, who 
accompanied them, had been elected for that purpose, 
their character and circumstances and if for the ac- 
ceptance of this commission they notified me and 
obtained my license. 

It seems suitable to my ministry to give a catego- 
rical reply to what has been asked, the impediments 
imposed on my jurisdiction by the Governor of said 
Island when the exportation was carried into effect, 
with me to the extent of opening my private letters, 
suspecting others might be enclosed in them for me. 
This deprived me of all news regarding the exporta- 
tion, which by means of some who came from said 
Islands brought me news of my Vicar-General by word 
of mouth, it being impossible to write under the cir- 
cumstances, that the families were all Catholics and 
passed over with the free use of their religion hav- 
ing accompanied them two Ecclesiastics to serve as Pa- 
rochial Priests, and I am persuaded they were the 
same who gave rise to the representation. During 
the opposition of that Governor to the exercise of my 
authority I many times resorted to carry from the 
Island to the Court, to men who were worthy to pro- 
tect the benignity of our Catholic religion with mes- 
sages to your Ambassador at the Court and at my in- 
stigation they were placed at your Royal feet by the 
Marquez of Grimalde with whose powerful help and 
meditation we finally obtained a hearing of the private 
Council of the King of Great Britain which took place 
on last June, when a Decree was sent stating that no 



302 The Unwritten History of 

state, and I have placed myself in communication with 
the Vicar to whom I have written that without loss of 
time he informed me of all that had occurred in the 
exportation, how executed, the circumstances of the 
two Ecclesiastics and if they went with this permission, 
and all else conducive to a satisfactory reply. This I 
will fulfill immediately I receive a reply. In the 
meantime the exportation being undoubtedly public 
and notorious, also that it was occasioned by the want 
and suffering endured in that Island by many families 
on account of poor crops for several consecutive years 
which obliged me to grant dispensation from the eat- 
ing of lactenacious food and meat on prohibited days. 
Most of the families who went to Florida had come to 
this Island to colonize the unhappy city of Aludia, 
and if I rightly understand, I do not doubt but that 
some went to Cierra Morena or other places in Spain, 
from the manner in which the Vicar-General com- 
municated to me the exportation, I doubt if the Eccles- 
iastics went with his permission, he would only have 
allowed and tolerated it for the good of the religion 
and not to irritate the Governor more by reports 
which, when I first arrived on this Island, he gave me 
of all the Ecclesiastics. It results that Dr. Campos 
was a good and laborious Priest, devoted strictly to 
his ministerial duties, and had been Vicar for some 
years. That he was Vicar of a village of that Island. 
This is confirmed by several persons of Minorca who, 
in this unsettled state, are still here, and although 
some of the clergy do not give such good reports, 
those they have given of his conduct are not bad, but 
being obliged to state all that I understood in this city 
regarding the exportation, I am assured by several 



Old St. Augustine 203 

persons that bad news is being spread of the unhappi- 
ness in which these famiUes Hve, their disgust with 
the country where there is nothing but hard labor and 
want, in place of the happiness and riches they had 
been promised by the English, and what is worse, 
that they themselves (without stating the reason) had 
assassinated the said Clergyman who had accompanied 
them. This is all I can tell you at present, until I 
have a reply for the worse from my Vicar-General of 
Minorca. In the meantime I take this occasion to 
congratulate your Majesty upon your new destiny 
and after my services praying God may grant you 
long life. Bishop of Minorca. 

Palma, February 5th, 1771. 



204 The Unwritten History of 



CHAPTER XIX. 

A. D. 1771. 

The opinion of the Judge, after having examined the 
different letters from the Bishops and those in 
authority connected therewith and after making 
thorough investigation into this matter concerning 
the granting of the patent and graces asked for 
by these Priests of the Minorcan families of the 
English colony of Florida — The Bishop of Cuba 
for the Council to Dr. Don Pedro Campos and the 
Rev. Father Bartolome Casanovas, extends to these 
Priests the title of Parish Priest and Vicar — Also 
sends a box containing three flasks of Sacred Oil — 
Hopes soon to be able to send a more extended 
prorogation of other powers — This grace having 
been solicited by the King from the Court of 
Rome — Asks for a more extended report of the 
number of families and condition of the congre- 
gation. 

The Judge has seen a letter of the Rev. Archbishop 
of Valencia, Minister of his Majesty, in the Court of 
Rome, dated Dec. 13th of the last year, in which re- 
plying to another of Nov. 3rd by the Secretary of 
State, he informs him of some indulgences and privi- 
leges granted by the Apostolic See to Dr. Pedro 
Campos, secular priest, and to Father Bartolome Casa- 
nova of the St. Augustine Order, who accompanied 
the Catholic families of Minorca in the vear 1768 



Old St. Augustine 205 

selected by the English for their colony in Florida in 
America. He has also seen another letter from the 
Rev. Bishop of Minorca of the 5th of February last, 
who informs him that by Royal Cedula of November 
7th of the past year, he has been asked regarding the 
manner practised in the selection of the families of 
Minorca and the circumstances of said prelates; he 
gives all the information he knows and can at present, 
promising that immediately upon receipt of news he 
expects and has asked for he will forward. Lastly 
that he has investigated and informed himself of the 
Royal order of the 1st of the present March by which 
these letters have passed to the Council, that they may 
agree in the provisions they deem worthy and advis- 
able. For the better understanding of all this affair 
it must be remembered that the Governor of Havana, 
Don Antonio Bucareli, gave an account on the 11th 
of January of the referred to year, of the arrival of 
another certificate of the virtues of one for Beatifica- 
tion, directed to the Rev. Bishop and seemingly writ- 
ten by Dr. Pedro Campos who calls himself Parish 
Priest of the families of Minorca who were selected 
by the English for their colony of Florida; that this 
letter had been put in the hands of the Diocesan Pre- 
late; that one and the other had notified his Majesty 
of the difficulties surrounding the request and propo- 
sition of Dr. Campos, as has been demonstrated by 
the antecedent documents. It is also worthy of con- 
sideration that Dr. Campos in his letter at the same 
time that he states the selection and transmigration of 
the Minorcans to Florida participates that he had been 
elected Parish Priest of said families, and Father 
Casanova, Vicar of them, which jurisdiction they had 



206 The Unwritten History of 

received from the Supreme Pontificate who ignored 
to which Bishop they were subject in that English 
colony; but placing them under obligation to appear 
by writing before the expiration of three years to the 
Holy See and the Diocesan Prelate that one and the 
other were natives of Minorca, subject under the 
temporal power to Great Britain and spiritually to 
the Bishop of Minorca, both having exercised 
for many years the position of priests in preaching 
the Gospel and moral doctrines. And for this reason 
they begged the Rev. Bishop of Cuba to send them pat- 
ents of Parish Priest and Vicar for Father Casanova, 
as also the Holy Oil for baptism and extreme unction, 
and two assistant priests, proceeding with circumspec- 
tion and secrecy and taking advantage of the fisher- 
men of that coast, being all the inducement required 
for the help and benefit of the spiritual good of the 
Catholics. The Rev. Bishop of Cuba, considering the 
grave importance of the matter, refrained from reply- 
ing to Dr. Campos, being ignorant of the quality and 
jurisdiction of his authority, and not to expose to 
irreverence the sacred matter of the Holy Oil, sending 
it to a Protestant Colony, and not knowing the person 
nor authority he had for exercising the place of Par- 
ish Priest, especially as the letter had not come in a 
legitimate way; but by the uncertain conduct of fish- 
ermen entrusted with the secret of an affair which did 
not seem to require this means, as there was liberty of 
religion observed in the English Colony, and as the 
Minorcans reserved the right to practise the Catholic 
religion. 

The Judge, in view of all this, adopts the idea of the 
Rev. Bishop of Cuba, and approves his prudent resolu- 



Old St. Augustine 207 

tion, and was of the opinion that this matter be illus- 
trated by investigation, as to whether it was true that 
this authority was granted by the Apostolic See, to 
the Prelates Campos and Casanova — and under what 
terms and considerations. What subjects they were, 
if they had been appointed by the Diocesan of Minorca, 
if they were of good habits, and if the Minorcans were 
Catholics. If under these terms they had come to 
Florida with the view of carrying out the necessary 
orders of the Prelate and Governor of Minorca, and 
the Minister of your Majesty in the Court of Rome. 
All of which was accomplished, this being the antece- 
dent which gives motive to the reply of the letters 
which have remained so long unanswered. The Min- 
ister of Rome gives information that in the month of 
June of 1768 were deputised as Apostolic missionaries 
for the English Province of Florida, the aforemen- 
tioned Dr. Campos and Father Casanovas, this last as 
Vicar for the Minorcan families who asked of the 
Apostolic See, that different authority should be 
granted these Prelates for the term of three years, and 
in the meantime permission of his Holiness, accord- 
ing to terms which result by a simple copy which will 
accompany their letter. This Minister adds to have 
stated to his Holiness that if it were agreeable to His 
Majesty that this authority be promulgated and privi- 
leges granted that his only object was to please and 
serve the Catholic King. 

The Apostolic indulgences being examined, it re- 
sults that they were reduced to six: administering the 
sacraments, asking permission of the Bishop, and un- 
der the same condition the authority in all hidden 
cases of granting dispensation to the poor, for con- 



208 The Unwritten History of 

tracting matrimony, to erect churches and chapels — 
all these must be exercised without pay for the term 
of three years, in the meantime with the approbation 
of the Apostolic See. The Rev. Bishop of Minorca 
says: that he cannot furnish the information asked 
of him until he obtains news of his Vicar-General of 
Minorca, who has not been able to execute it by writ- 
ing, but he assures us that these Prelates and all the 
Minorcan families were Catholics and passed to Flor- 
ida carrying with them two Ecclesiastics who might be 
the said Campos and Casanova. The Judge, with 
reference to all, considers that he has discovered suffi- 
cient truth to assuage the just fears of the Rev. Bishop 
of Cuba, to the recourse to the Apostolic See, by the 
Minorcan families or of the Prelates Campos and Casa- 
novas and the authority granted to these by his Holi- 
ness. The application for help of Dr. Campos dispels 
all doubt which might arise from the distance between 
Florida and the Island of Cuba. From all this results 
other useful things, since all this authority granted 
Dr. Campos and Father Casanovas is left at the dis- 
posal of the Bishop of Cuba and as this Prelate and to 
all those of America so many pontifical authorities are 
granted, he can very well make use of it for the spirit- 
ual government of the little flock of Catholics residing 
in the English Colony and examine the privileges 
granted to these Presbyters, adopting them according 
to the nature and delegate of the authority of their 
Pastoral Office. It is true that the secrecy asked by Dr. 
Campos caused some misgivings, but in view of what 
it expounded by the Rev. Bishop of Minorca the mys- 
tery is solved, as perhaps it has happened in Florida 
as in Minorca and Minorca in regard to the disturb- 



Old St, Augustine 209 

ances of the Catholic religion, the English having been 
wanting in their promises drawn up in their agree- 
ment. So that, as the Vicar-General of Minorca had 
no expedient in his jurisdiction, the same may have 
happened to Dr. Campos and Father Casanovas who, 
in consequence of the determination of the Court of 
London, cannot proceed in all concerning the educa- 
tion and spiritual care of the Catholics. 

Under these considerations the Judge feels that the 
Rev. Bishop of Cuba should send him a copy of all 
that he wishes, sharing with him the care of the faith- 
ful of Florida, governing them by means of the afore- 
mentioned ministers and taking as much forethought 
as his zeal dictates and he considers convenient to a 
good government and conversion of that Catholic 
portion, availing themselves of the necessary form of 
Governor of Havana and Captain-General of that 
Island of Cuba, not only for having been the means 
of which Dr. Campos availed himself, but also that 
he may communicate with the Governor and Chief 
of Florida, and that the Rev. Bishop of Minorca send 
him notice of his letter and beg him to take charge 
and investigate such reports as may come up, inform- 
ing himself through the Vicar-General of Minorca 
and also of those Catholic subjects who from said 
Island have passed to the city of Alzuvia as we are 
assured in his letter. That the Commandant of 
Minorca be stimulated anew to obtain the informa- 
tion demanded of him. And that he send documents 
to the Marquez of Gremaldin to the effect that he 
send notice to the Council of the church service, 
which by the Secretary in charge has been made 
in the Courts of London at the instance of the 



210 The Unwritten History of 

clergy and Bishop of Minorca, and of the resolution 
taken by the Council, provided by the King of Great 
Britain. These documents being necessary, to send 
a copy to the Governor and Bishop of Cuba that they 
may proceed securely and provide such resources as 
are needed, for all of which they can free themselves 
with necessary speed. Notwithstanding the Council 
will remember what is most agreeable. 
Madrid, April 16th, 1771. 



For the Councii.. 

My Dear Sir: ^' ^' '^'^'^^' 

I have not forgotten your Excellency's letter of 
Oct. 30th of 1768, in which you state to me your 
merits and occupation as also that of Father Barto- 
lome Casanovas of the St. Augustine Order, and you 
expound to me the motives which induce you to apply 
to me for your title of Parish Priest of the Catholic 
families of Minorcans established in Mosquito, Eng- 
lish territory of Florida, and that of Vicar for the 
other Priest. Also asking for the Sacred Oils with 
which to administer baptism and extreme unction, 
and for two assistant Priests of the Divine office. In 
order that I might reply to your claims I considered 
it advisable to submit it to the higher authority and 
intelligence of the King, my Lord, and that I might 
be enlightened by his Sovereign order regarding all 
requirements for so delicate and serious a subject. I 
have received all the light on the subject I wished 
through a Royal Cedula of Aug. 16th of the present 
year, composed of documents which legitimatize the 



Old St. Augustine 211 

character of your executive and that of your com- 
panion. The power and authority invested in you by 
the Holy See and the professed Catholicism of the 
Minorcan families to whom you both administer. 
Also the various instructions all relative to my gov- 
ernment in that Catholic Colony whose obedience and 
prompt attention to the kind intentions of the King 
our Sovereign, I extend to you (by means of a safe 
and trusty guide) the title of Parish Priest and Vicar. 
A copy containing the only and extraordinary powers 
of the Apostolic Chair, which I hold and which I con- 
vey to your Excellency and by your death, sickness or 
other legitimate impediment, to your companion. That 
the time with the requirements expressed therein, two 
assistant priests of the Divine office and a box with 
three flasks of sacred oil, distinguished as the Chrisma, 
Catecuma, and for the sick. I hope soon to send you 
a more extended prorogation of other powers, that 
you may make good use of them to the benefit of that 
small flock, and in case of you and your companion's 
death, the Priest I should nominate. This is a grace 
that the Catholic and clement heart of the King has 
solicited from the Court of Rome, through the means 
of his Minister. It is also reserved that I shall be 
promptly advised of the results of the Offices made in 
the court of London, by order or representation of 
the Illustrious Bishop of Minorca, and the resolutions 
taken by the private council of the King of Great 
Britain in the month of June of the past year, with 
the only desire that their people do not become dis- 
couraged in the Holy Religion they profess, and that 
they owe such great blessings to the best of Monarchs 
whose large soul guides all his thoughts and inten- 



212 The Unwritten History of 

tions to the sustenance and propagation of the true 
Roman Faith, making it noticed and perceived by the 
whole world his pious and eminent care for humanity 
and his heroic and glorious zeal. Your Excellency 
will make it understood by those chosen few, the 
gratitude and acknowledgment these sublime dem- 
onstrations bind them to fulfill. Apply yourself to 
guide them and make them patient with all love and 
charity. Apply yourself to all this and count on my 
assistance in all that is needed to secure this important 
work. That I may better form an idea of your wants 
and desires to relieve them with the spiritual aid that 
your condition requires, it would be well you should 
send me immediately an individual report of the con- 
stitution, material and formula of your church and a 
list of the families who compose your congregation. 
State all excesses, and anything you deem worthy of 
my consideration and within my Province. These last 
will always have for their object the salvation of the 
souls confided to the good conscience and care of your 
Excellency and your companion, whose good conduct 
I flatter myself leaves nothing to desire, being perfect 
and complete in the discharge of his respective min- 
isterial duties to the honor and glory of God. These 
are of such interest that we are obliged to sacrifice our 
best efforts, the repose and even loss of our own lives. 
I remain with best wishes and always ready to con- 
ciliate your wishes. May God guide you for many 
happy years. 

I kiss your hand and am your affectionate and sin- 
cere Chaplain, The Bishop of Cuba. 

Senor Dr. Don Pedro Campos (absent). 

Rev. Father Bartolome Casanova. 



Old St. Augustine 313 

It agrees with the original letter and its contents, 
which remain in the Secretary under my charge and 
which I remit by order of the Bishop, my Lord. I 
took this out in Havana on the 3rd day of December, 
1771. Dr. Jose de la Bandera, Secretary. 



214 The Unwritten History of 



CHAPTER XX. 

A. D. 1773. 

Proceedings of the Council upon information obtained 
from his Majesty's Minister at the Court of Rome 
concerning the appeal made by the Parish Priest 
and Vicar of the Catholic families established in 
the English territory of Florida — The matter con- 
tained in the different Bishops' letters, also the 
letters of the Priest and Vicar asking for patent 
and further privileges rehearsed — A report of the 
condition of the said Minorcan families who are 
dissatisfied with the lack of spiritual comforts — 
Have built a brick church and are very devout — 
Of their desire to throw off the yoke of Great 
Britain and their love for Spain — Reply of the 
Judge — Testimony sent by the Bishop of Cuba. 

Council. 

Report relative to information obtained from His 
Majesty's minister at the Court of Rome in reply to 
the order expedited as a result of the appeal made by 
the Parish Priest and Vicar of the Catholic families 
established in the English territory of Florida, to the 
Bishop of Cuba, asking for the Holy Oil. 

Proceedings. 

First — In Council on September 27th of last year, 
it was called to your Royal attention in Council, what 
had been represented by the Governor of Havana 



Old St. Augustine ^15 

and Rev. Bishop of Cuba, concerning the appeal made 
to the Bishop of Cuba by Dr. Pedro Campos and 
Padre Bartolome Casanovas, the first Parish Priest, 
the second Vicar of the CathoHc famiUes who were 
taken from Minorca to colonize the territory of Flor- 
ida, belonging to the English, asking for the Holy Oil, 
with which to administer baptism. It seemed that 
your Majesty's Minister in the Court of Rome was 
the most worthy person to solicit and obtain with 
promptness the information as to whether the Catho- 
lics taken from the Island of Minorca by the English 
in the year 1768, had made an appeal to the Holy See 
that they might carry with them their own Pastors, 
and if his Holiness had named in the capacity of Par- 
ish or Parochial Priest and Vicar of the referred to 
people, the Presbyters Dr. Campos and Padre Barto- 
lome Casanovas, and what jurisdiction had been con- 
ceded to them, giving all information with the great- 
est clearness ; also, that the correspondence and letter 
be expedited to the Captain-General of the Island of 
Minorca and the Bishop of that Diocese that they 
should inform separately all details they knew of the 
extraction of the families of Minorca made by the 
English to colonize Florida, if said families were 
Catholics and lived and behaved as such. If they 
went over with the privilege of the free use of their 
religion, and if Dr. Campos and Padre Casanovas 
were elected Parish Priest and Vicar of them. What 
was the character of these two Subjects, and if for the 
acceptance of this charge they gave notice and ob- 
tained permission from that Minister. In the mean- 
time, while such steps are being taken, that they should 
acknowledge to the Governor of Havana and Bishop 



216 The Unwritten History of 

of Cuba, the receipt of their letters stating it to have 
been to the Royal approval of your Majesty the de- 
termination they had agreed upon — notifying each 
that your Majesty would take some action in the mat- 
ter, but that the Bishop should try to inform himself 
of the manner of practising the Catholic religion by 
these Minorcans in Florida, and the manner of assist- 
ance by the Parish Priest and Vicar of the Catholic 
Town and that the same be forwarded to the Governor, 
so that one and the other advance the information re- 
sulting therefrom. And your Majesty having agreed 
in this opinion should order the corresponding Royal 
Cedulas and letters agreed upon with date of October 
27th and November 7th of last year. 

FiNAi. Condition. 

In this condition the Council received a letter from 
the Rev. Bishop of Minorca of February 5th of this 
year, stating that he could not take the required steps 
for obtaining information asked, as he awaited news 
of his Vicar-General of Minorca, who had sent him 
some messages by word of mouth, not being able to 
do so by writing on account of the interference of the 
Governor of that Island. Notwithstanding the diffi- 
culties the Vicar had communicated to him the fact 
that all the families were Catholics who went to Flor- 
ida with the free use of their religion, carrying with 
them, to serve as Parish Priest and Vicar, two Ecclesi- 
astics, one secular and one monastic (belonging to 
an order) , and they might be the ones mentioned. This 
Prelate adding that the first was a good and laborious 
Priest, applying himself strictly to his Ministerial 
duties, and had been Vicar for many years on that 



Old St. Augustine 217 

Island. That of the other he did not have such good 
reports, although those he had were not so bad. That 
it was reported the English had assassinated this 
Priest without stating a reason for doing so. That 
last June, on account of the troubles between this 
Court and the Court of London, a decree was ob- 
tained from the private Council of the King of Great 
Britain that in Minorca there should be no further in- 
terference with the Ecclesiastics; that now a more 
quiet state exists and things are restored to their nor- 
mal state, therefore the Rev. Bishop awaited news of 
the matter from his Vicar, having asked for it last 
October 27th. 

Prior to this Fray Julian Ariaga had sent a docu- 
ment, dated March 1st of the present year, written 
upon the resolution of your Majesty, expressed in a 
letter notifying your Minister at the Court of Rome, 
who having verified and accomplished the same the 
accompanying note, showing the powers and privi- 
leges invested in Dr. Campos and Padre Casanovas. 
These documents are sent by order of his Majesty 
to the Council, that upon seeing them they may agree 
upon the provisions most expedient. In this letter 
the Minister of your Majesty in Rome states that in 
the month of June of 1768 they were empowered as 
Apostolic Missionaries for the English Province of 
Florida. The Minorcan families had petitioned the 
Holy See to invest these Prelates with certain powers, 
which was done, granting them these powers for a 
term of three years, in the meantime a Permit of His 
Holiness accompanied it set forth in these terms, as 
shown by the copy — if it should be agreeable to your 
Majesty that they make use of these powers and privi- 



218 The Unwritten History of 

leges — that he was only too glad and willing to serve 
and please so good and Catholic a King. 

From the above mentioned letter of indulgences, it 
appears that they are six, reduced to the administer- 
ing of the Parochial Sacraments, obtaining first per- 
mission from the Bishop or his Vicar. These places 
are near, not further than two days' journey of ten 
leagues each day by land from the Province of Flor- 
ida, and under the same conditions these Priests are 
invested with the power of absolving abroad all such 
hidden cases, although it be reserved for the Holy 
See to give dispensation to the poor, where they wish 
to contract matrimony within certain degrees of kin- 
ship. Some of these privileges of dispensation are 
granted to some Priests approved by their Bishop. 
They could construct churches and chapels in the Col- 
ony under the same restrictions of getting a permit 
from the Diocesan Bishop, if not absent and at too 
great a distance. These privileges were to be exer- 
cised in a gracious manner for only three years, in 
the meantime under permit of the Holy See. The 
Council of March 4th of this year, having agreed that 
this expedient be transferred to the Judge with the 
former proceedings. In his reply of August 16th is 
the following. With regard to all that is stated he 
says : that he discovers ample reasons to quiet the 
mind and anxieties indicated by the Bishop of Cuba, 
as it is evident the Minorcan families obtain direct 
permission from the Holy See granting these powers 
to Dr. Campos and Padre Casanovas — leaving them, 
however, subordinates to the Diocesan Bishop while he 
was not at too great a distance. That the proceedings 
of Dr. Campos remove all doubt which might arise 



Old St. Augustine 219 

of the distance of the Bishop, as this Presbyter recog- 
nizes him as his own and proper Pastor. From this 
the Judge decides that the Bishop of Cuba can grant, 
without any further fear, the requests of Dr. Campos ; 
that he should contribute to it, not alone for the con- 
solation it would bring those Catholic families, but 
also to confirm and establish his jurisdiction, and 
have it under his control in all things concerning the 
Faith. Under these terms occur many others which 
are useful, as the privileges are granted these Ecclesi- 
astics, but places them legally under control of the 
Bishop of Cuba. And as to this Prelate, as well as to 
all those in America, such ample privileges are 
granted, he might well avail himself of them for the 
spiritual government of the flock of Catholics resid- 
ing in the English Colony. He could examine the 
privileges conceded and interpret them as the new 
ones of his Pastoral Ofiice. It is true that the caution 
and secrecy used by Dr. Campos caused some anxiety 
and suspicion, but in view of what the Rev. Bishop of 
Minorca says, the mystery is discovered, supposing 
that the same circumstances had arisen in Florida as 
in Minorca, and there had been religious disturbances, 
or that the English had failed to comply with the 
treaties of the capitulation. That as the Vicar-Gen- 
eral of Minorca was prevented from carrying on his 
correspondence with the Diocese of Minorca, the same 
might have occurred with Dr. Campos, owing to the 
proceedings at the Court of London he could have 
no intercourse with any other Diocese. That aside 
from these considerations, which are to be regretted, 
the Judge considers it well for the Bishop of Cuba to 
retain a copy with all the particulars given by the 



220 The Unwritten History of 

Bishop of Minorca, referring to the good standing of 
the Catholics who emigrated to the EngHsh Colony, 
and that the high standing of Dr. Campos and Padre 
Casanovas and send a literal copy of the privileges 
granted to them by the Apostolic See, omitting the 
expression used in the summary of the *'Bula de la 
Cena." But that the Bishop make use of all the privi- 
leges granted him, and expedite the titles of Parochial 
Pastor and Vicar which have been asked of him in 
such terms as are best suited for the present, and 
send them the Holy Oils, if nothing new should arise 
to prevent it. So care for the faithful of Florida and 
govern them by means of these same Ministers — 
using all the zeal and care he considers good for them 
— making use of the Governor of Havana and the 
Captain-General if necessary. Not only that he was 
the means used by Dr. Campos for obtaining these 
concessions, but that documents may be passed be- 
tween himself and the Governor of Florida, he should 
have the Bishop of Minorca to acknowledge receipt 
of his letter, and beg him to verify the reports and in- 
formation given by the Vicar-General of Minorca of 
those Catholic subjects who passed from the City of 
Alusia (Alcubea) as he assures us in his letter. That 
the commandant of Minorca make it obligatory that 
he give this information asked, and that an official 
report be made of it and sent to the Marquis of Grim- 
aldi that he in turn may report it to the Council as his 
individual report of what the secretary under his 
charge has done in the Court of London at the repre- 
sentation of the Clergy and Bishop of Minorca and the 
resolution taken by the private Council of the King of 
Great Britain in the month of June of the past year. 



Old St. Augustine 221 

as affirmed by the same Bishop. These documents are 
necessary according as what may be produced or for- 
warded by the Governor or Bishop of Cuba, so as to 
proceed with security and remit to the Ministers of 
Florida the necessary resources and forward cate- 
gorical documents if found necessary. By means of 
these dispatches and letters all things may be facili- 
tated. 

Note. 

This expedient being ready for the Councils, two let- 
ters have been received, one from the proclaimed 
Bishop of Minorca and the other from the Command- 
ant of that Island, Marques de Alos, both dated April 
22nd of the present year. The first states that in 
consequence of what he spoke of in his preceding let- 
ter of February 5th, that an account of the troubles 
on the Island of Minorca in trying to open war with 
this Court, His Vicar-General who resides there did 
not dare to answer His letter of December 14th past, 
regarding the various families who had passed into 
Florida. That only by a note, without his signature, 
did he intimate that this Priest had the title of Prelate 
and the power to confess and preach. That he was a 
person of merit, capacity and virtue. That the Monk 
who accompanied him had the license and power to 
preach and hear confessions; that immediately after 
the publication of peace he heard from the same 
Vicar, who after writing of several affairs corre- 
sponding to his ministerial duties. He states that from 
his Parish alone on account of the great suffering 
from failures of crops, there had gone to Florida with 
others from that Island and Spain, more than three 
hundred families. They were urged by insinuations 



222 The Unwritten History of 

from the Government who offered them homes, with 
land to cultivate and hold and the free use of their 
Catholic religion, adding these remarks regarding the 
proclaimed Priests: Dr. Campos, who had served as 
Vicar and Parish Priest in the Parish of Mercadal, had 
asked him for letters and testimonials to pass over to 
Florida, which he granted and in them stated the good 
character He bore and exemplary life He had led and 
good work he had done for the Church, having served 
many years as Vicar and being well versed in litera- 
ture. The St. Augustine Monk who accompanied Him 
was Padre Bartolome Casanovas; he found nothing 
wrong in His conduct ; He had preached in the Parish 
of Alazor and was consequently the Confessor of men ; 
he did not remember more. He concludes his letter 
stating that this is about all He can say on the subject. 
The Commandant, Marques de Alos, in His letter 
stated that He had not been able sooner to make the 
necessary inquiries and comply with the order on ac- 
count of the differences between this Court and that 
of London, but that things having quieted he has been 
able to ascertain that the transmigration of these 
families was made by the offer of lands to cultivate 
and retain with the free use of their Catholic Religion 
as practised by the Minorcans of that Island, accord- 
ing to the treaty between both Courts. That Dr. Cam- 
pos was assistant Parish Priest of Mercadal— a Priest 
of exemplary life and habits, taking with Him his cre- 
dentials from the Vicar of the Diocese in Mahon. It 
was supposed that the Augustine Monk went also 
with permission of his Superior, but of that nothing 
certain was obtained, as that portion of the Island of 
Minorca was under the dominion of Great Britain, 



Old St Augustine 223 

and only the Ecclesiastics recognized the superiority 
of the Bishop of that Diocese — this was all he could 
certify in obedience to the command received. Later 
a letter came from the Bishop of Cuba, dated Feb- 
ruary 19th; on the same subject in response to the or- 
der sent by Royal Cedula of November 7th, he says: 
That having devoted himself to find out, with every 
precaution, he was able to obtain the following infor- 
mation from one of the fishermen who has been in 
the Catholic Minorcan settlement. That these famiHes 
are established in their homes, the house of Dr. Cam- 
pos and Padre Casanovas being the principal one of 
the place. They have a church built of brick, quite 
commodious and decent; that having obtained last 
year large and abundant crops of corn and indigo, 
they loaded two vessels with indigo, but that they are 
dissatisfied on account of the number of deaths oc- 
curring among them and also the lack of spiritual 
comforts from this same Priest, who had asked for 
the Holy Oil of the Bishop of Cuba. That most of the 
Minorcan Colonists are very devout; He saw them 
daily praying the Rosary and receiving communion, 
but all wish to throw off the yoke of Great Britain and 
pass again to the dominion of your Majesty — demon- 
strating with strong and lively expressions their love 
and conservatism for the Crown of Spain. This I be- 
lieve, from all He tells me. He saw during His stay 
among them. The Bishop concludes by stating: It is 
all he can tell us regarding this affair, but he has taken 
steps for further information which he will forward to 
your Majesty when obtained. All of which I make 
known to the Council that it may proceed as most con- 
venient. 

Number 87—3—27— Year 1773. 



224 The Unwritten History of 

Reply of the Judge. 

The Judge being cognizant of your Majesty's 
Royal Decree regarding the consultation held by the 
Government on December 10th, 1772, at which time 
said Tribunal recalling the proceedings and last state 
of the expedient of the Minorcan families who passed 
over to Florida, with the free use of their Catholic 
religion, he brings to the consideration of your 
Majesty, among other things, that they implore of 
the Apostolic See the grace and power for the actual 
missionaries of the Commission or Bull from the Vat- 
ican, that they may administer the Sacrament of con- 
firmation to these faithful ones, while the Bishop of 
Cuba does not dare concede these powers to them, on 
account of the natives and his peculiar Episcopal dig- 
nity. That your Royal person deign to confer with 
the Council in the following terms. As the Judge has 
decided, it seems proper that my Minister in Rome 
should supplicate the Vatican for a Bull, granting 
power to these missionaries, and have it sent by the 
reserved way for their direction. In obedience to this 
sovereign resolution, and to accomplish it in the spirit 
intended, the Judge has had present the origin of this 
affair and the motive which actuated the sentiment of 
the Council to the referred consultation of December 
10th, and with reference to one and the other He has 
found the minutes which are rubricated by His hand, 
and accompany this reply. The proclaimed minutes 
comprehend a general idea of the manner and style 
in which the Minister of this Court in Rome should 
present the supplication and urge the granting there- 
of in the order and regularity with which these af- 
fairs are conducted in the Offices and Tribunals of 



Old St. Augustine 225 

Rome. The Judge has not seen proper to state the 
form of these Bulls, leaving that to the arbitration of 
your Majesty's Minister, that time may not be lost 
when the opportunity presents itself. The Judge 
feels that if the Council finds nothing to correct in 
the minutes they should be sent by the "via reservada" 
as arranged by the Royal Decree already mentioned, 
that your Majesty may give it the direction which cor- 
responds and is of your Royal pleasure. 
Madrid, Aug. 21st, 1773. 



Testimony Sent by the Bishop oe Cuba. 
Sire : 

With regard to the Royal Cedula of the present Jan- 
uary 3rd in which your Royal Highness advises me 
to assist, care for, and aid the Catholic Minorcan 
families established in the English Territory of Flor- 
ida, in accord with the Governor of the Post, I have 
given the interlocutory decree comprehended in the 
testimony which I remit to your Majesty for your 
sovereign approval. 

May God preserve your Majesty for many years. 

Santiago Jose, Bishop of Cuba. 
Havana, June 30th, 1773. 



226 The Unwritten History of 



CHAPTER XXI. 

A. D. 1773-1786. 
Letter from the King to the Bishop of Cuba concern- 
. ing the petition soliciting an extension of time 
and the privileges conceded to Dr. Pedro Campos 
and Padre Bartolome Casanovas, Parochial Priest 
and Vicar of Catholic families of Minorca in 
Florida — Enclosing an open mandate of his Holi- 
ness enlarging and extending the time for twenty 
years, Madrid, 1773 — A copy of a letter and state- 
ment sent in by Lieutenant of Hibernians, Don 
Nicholas Grenier, in regard to the importance of the 
St. Johns and St. Marys river Provinces, stating 
the need to his Majesty of vessels armed to im- 
press and control these Provinces which are rich 
in timber, turpentine, pitch and tar — Considers it 
detrimental to Spanish interests for Americans to 
introduce any commerce in those Provinces — 
Letter for the Captain-General of Florida to the 
Governor of the post of St. Augustine concerning 
the great necessity of further protecting the Span- 
ish interests along the St. Marys and St. Johns 
rivers — Tranquility of the country jeopardized by 
outlaws — Some have been arrested and paid the 
penalty with their lives — Matter referred to the 
Governor, 1774. 

The King to the Rev. Father in Christ, Bishop of the 
Holy Church, Cathedral of Santiago de Cuba. 

In a letter of August 29th, 1771, I am informed 
by Don Lamas Acpuro, Archbishop, who was of Va- 



Old St. Augustine 227 

lencia and my Minister to the Court of Rome, that in 
virtue of a warning from the Marquez of Grimalde 
in a letter of July 23rd, he had formed the correspond- 
ing petition soliciting an extension of time of the 
privileges conceded to Dr. Pedro Campos and Padre 
Bartolome Casanovas, Parochial Priest and Vicar of 
the Catholic families of Minorca, who went to estab- 
lish themselves in the English territory of Florida, 
asking also that his Holiness accord to these Ecclesi- 
astics and their successors the other graces and privi- 
leges needed to administer to the spiritual nourish- 
ment of their flocks — and having deemed it desirable 
to transmit them through Monsenor Zelada of whom 
they had also availed themselves to investigate the 
truth of these privileges, being one of the Prelates who 
served in the Tribunal of the Holy Oflice. He immedi- 
ately complied with the petition in consequence of 
having sent it to his Holiness at the instigation of 
Monsenor Antonelli, assistant of the same Tribunal, 
who spoke to his Holiness in audience, using his fav- 
orable influence with the result shown in his letter 
to Monsenor Zelada of August 24th, informing him 
that his Holiness extended these privileges to twenty 
years — asking if he had complied with the balance of 
the communication for greater privileges and followed 
the instructions mentioned in the open mandate. He 
replied asking if he would pass on to solicit in the 
practical way which was proper, and hoping it would 
deserve my approbation. Having seen the referred 
to document with my Council of the Indias, repre- 
sented by Marquis de la Torre, Governor and Captain- 
General of that Island, by letter dated December 4th, 
1771, concerning what you had done in consequence 



228 The Unwritten History of 

of the warning given you in the affair of the afore- 
mentioned families, explained by my Judge, and con- 
sulted me regarding it about the last of December 
past. I have resolved (among other things) to send 
the aforementioned open Mandate which has been ob- 
tained from his Holiness to certify to you the enlarge- 
ment and extension of time granted the aforesaid Dr. 
Campos and Padre Casanovas and charging you (as I 
do) to use all means that are proper for your Pastoral 
Ministry and those of his Holiness, it has latterly been 
conceded you — having present by Chapter 28 of the 
Mandate, you can communicate it to all the Priests 
whom it may effect, and as the notice given you by the 
referred to Royal Cedula of August 16th, 1771, you 
will attend to and aid spiritually all the Catholics of 
Florida, this being my will. The King. 

Madrid, August 4th, 1773. 



Excellent Sire : 

I enclose you a copy of a letter and statement which 
by my order was sent in by Lieutenant of Hibernians 
Don Nicholas Grenier, upon his return from the 
River St. Mary's where since my arrival I have placed 
him rather as a Commissioned than a detached Officer, 
as I have before notified your Majesty, because it has 
seemed to me that is the most important place in this 
Province as no doubt it will be in the future, on ac- 
count of its fine and accessible Bar, the abundance of 
magnificent timber, the thorough knowledge the Eng- 
lish have of the river, the scarcity of this nation for 
building material would be a stimulus to the Bahamas 
as well as to Satavento and Barlovento, that in future 



Old St Augustine 229 

they should be suppHed from them. In a previous 
report I stated to your Majesty the necessity I felt for 
two vessels for said river and the St. John's, but to- 
day I consider it my duty to make known to your 
Majesty the great need we have of vessels, and would 
ask that you send a Man-of-war with some schooners, 
launches and boats around as reserve guards, not only 
for the St. Mary's, but the St. John's also, where the 
Bar, although not as many feet deep as the St. Mary's, 
is better and its waters are navigable for larger ves- 
sels thirty leagues up the river, and its banks abound 
in magnificent timber, especially the pine, from which 
the English have taken many millions of barrels of 
turpentine, pitch and tar. I also consider it important 
to have the armed vessels to secure the tranquility of 
this Country and put a restraint upon the many dis- 
turbers of peace who not knowing where to go and 
wishing to remain in the Province refused to be sub- 
jected to Government or laws of any kind. It is cer- 
tain that in such cases a few armed vessels would 
make more impression than two regiments since the 
swamps and woods make it almost impossible for them 
to operate. The twenty-five Dragoons I now have are 
not sufficient to maintain my orders with the proper 
authority, therefore I fear to issue orders not to com- 
promise the dignity of this Government. My only re- 
source and hope is that your Majesty will place me in 
a position where, when occasion demands, I can act 
with the proper spirit and decorum. God preserve 
you for many years. 

St. Augustine, November 12th, 1784. 



230 The Unwritten History of 

Copy OF Letter of Commandant of Detached Body of Troops 
ON THE St. Marys River to the Governor of Florida. 

My Dear Sir: 

Acting upon the order imposed upon me by His 
Majesty, when I presented myself for resignation of 
the commission under my charge on the river St. 
Mary's. I enclose adjusted a report stating as far as 
my ability allows all that I have observed and con- 
sider worthy of your notice. God preserve you many 
years. Nicolas Grdnier. 

Statement. 

The Bar of St. Mary's, so called, although its true 
name is Bar of Amelia, is considered one of the best 
and least dangerous of the America Septentional. 
Vessels of 500 tons can enter. On either side are 
Islands. The one on the right is called Cumberland, 
belonging to the Americans; it is sparsely inhabited, 
exceedingly fertile in timber, as American vessels 
come to cut it. The one on the left is called AmeHa, 
its land is considered very fertile, producing pine, 
cedar and oak in abundance. Its inhabitants number 
some twenty families; these people belong as much 
to one Island as the other, being variable and erratic 
in their habits. The distance between Amelia and 
Cumberland, which forms the channel where all ves- 
sels going up the St. Mary's are obHged to pass, is 
more or less — miles. For this reason a Fort or Castle 
at the northern extremity of Amelia would be of the 
greatest advantage. The channel formed by these 
Islands is at the mouth of the river. In front of these 
Islands is a third one called Tiger, entirely depopu- 
lated, as it is sterile, full of swamps and lakes so that 



Old St. Augustine 231 

no advantage can be derived from it. From the 
anchoring grounds of Amelia to the entrance of St. 
Mary's river is a distance of one and a half miles and 
the River is navigable for forty miles. At the mouth 
of said River there is a place called by the English 
New Town or Princetown which was selected for 
building a City, but the work was never carried out. 
The number of outlaws between the towns of St. 
John's and St. Mary's is about sixty families. Among 
them some might be useful to our Nation, but the 
Others the sooner we drive them out of the Province 
the better, as they are men who have neither God nor 
law, and men who are capable of the greatest atroci- 
ties. There is another River further in where vessels 
can navigate for several miles, but it requires an ex- 
perienced pilot, on account of the numerous sand 
banks and small streams and the most experienced are 
frequently deceived. There are four or five other 
small Islands. The Talbot, St. George, Doctor and 
the Pierce, all these Islands, although in themselves 
small, are of much value for their beautiful pines, 
cedars and oaks. I consider it detrimental to our in- 
terests that the Americans introduce any commerce 
in this Province, and at the same time I believe the 
best way to prevent it would be to establish a fleet. 
These Islands produce timber to build the vessels. 

Nicolas Grenier. 
St. Augustine, Fla., Nov. 10th, 1784. 



1786. 
Letter for the Captain-General of Florida to the Gov- 
ernor OF THE Post of St. Augustine. 

Don Vicente Manuel de Cespedes gave an account 
in three letters directed to your Excellency that Don 



232 The Unwritten History of 

Nicolas Grenier, who commanded the detached com- 
pany on the River St. Mary's, stated the urgency and 
necessity of protecting that post for the advantages 
which would accrue from it to the Royal service, and 
tranquility of the Country. The inhabitants have 
openly declared against us, but conceal themselves in 
wilderness on the banks of the St. John's as far as St. 
Mary's controlling that Province. He warned the 
English Governor Don Patrick Louin to prosecute 
the perfidity of such men, if he would secure a peace- 
ful Government. The opinion he had formed of them 
was afterwards confirmed by the frequent thefts and 
deprivation, it could not be remedied for the want of 
aid. Under such circumstances I judge it better to 
wait and allow them to leave and then vigorously op- 
pose their re-entering the Province. At present, the 
beginning of the year 1785, we find ourselves free 
from many of the principal leaders of them, who went 
over to Pensacola and other English settlements and 
to the United States, where some have paid the pen- 
alty of their misdeeds with their lives. The Senor 
Louin seemed to think the time had arrived when they 
should be prosecuted, and so he sent to arrest one of the 
outlaws, Daniel Mc , in the name of Great Brit- 
ain. Candido Salteador and Guillermo Cunningham 
are even worse than the others, being constant receivers 
of stolen goods. He afterwards gave them their lib- 
erty under bond that they should leave the Province 
with the tide, using the launch San Pedro to convey 
them, he made them take oath never to re-enter the 
Province nor surrounding country. We are to consult 
with Providence as to what steps must be taken with 
Cunningham's wife and children. The reports having 



Old St. Augustine 233 

been examined by the Council of Indians, they have 
decided to take no steps at present, the King agreeing 
to the proposition, and his Majesty commands me to 
return your Excellency the above referred reports 
and testimonials, that as Captain-General of the Prov- 
ince of St. Augustine, is to proceed in the case, as 
your Excellency, under the circumstances, should de- 
termine in things of weight as well as in minor af- 
fairs, as behooves a Governor of Florida. Render a 
just account of the results, and of the Royal Order. I 
warn your Excellency that you fulfill it. 

God preserve you for many years. 

Senor. 

Madrid, December 5th, 1786. 



